TECHNIQUE
Today we are going to learn about pool safety rules.
IMPORTANCE
Pool safety and rules are important because no matter how strong a swimmer you are, knowing the rules can help prevent accidents and injuries and ultimately, prevent a swimmer from drowning.
VOCABULARY
Prevent: keep something from happening.
Drown: to die by being underwater too long and unable to breathe.
When learning about pool safety rules, it is important to remember:
1. Always have supervision when you are near or in the pool.
4. Never push, trip, jump on someone when you are in or near the pool.
2. Wait for instruction or ask permission before entering the pool.
5. Always walk when you are near the pool to avoid hurting yourself or someone else.
3. Tell an adult immediately if you see a problem.
PRACTICE
- I will divide the class into partners. With your partner, you will have one minute to go over the rules together. After one minute, raise your hand if you and your partner think you can remember all the rules. I will call on a pair of partners to see if they can recall all the rules.
PLAY IT SAFE
TIME
15-25 minutes
NUMBER OF STUDENTS
No restrictions
EQUIPMENT
None
STORYLINE
Today we are playing Play It Safe. Your goal is to create a song and dance about the pool safety rules.
INSTRUCTIONS
- I will divide the class into groups of 3 – 4 students.
- Before the game begins, find a spot on the field with your group.
- When I say, “GO!” begin working with your group to create a 30-second song and dance that will help you remember the rules of the pool.
- At the end of the class, you will have the choice whether or not to perform your song and dance in front of the class.
Game 1: Play as indicated above.
Variation: Instead of performing, groups can also teach the routine they came up with to the rest of the class.
Exit ticket: Have students describe four pool safety rules before they line up to return to class.
TEACHING TIPS
- Approach:
- Divide students up evenly based on who you think will work well together. You can also give the option of having the students form their own groups.
- ELL Accommodation:
- Post labeled pictures of skills.
- Partner with proficient English speakers for directions/modeling and reflections.
- SpEd Accommodation:
- Allow students extra time to respond.
- Allow students to respond with the help of pictures, a peer helper, manipulatives, or teacher.
- Set individual goals for physical or behavioral modifications.
- Reflection:
- Why are pool safety rules important?
- I was a good partner today because I...
LOST IN TRANSLATION
TIME
20-25 minutes
NUMBER OF STUDENTS
No restrictions
EQUIPMENT
None
STORYLINE
Today we are playing Lost in Translation. In this game, we will be going over the rules for the pool. Your goal is to clearly communicate the pool safety rule to your teammates so that no part of the sentence is lost in translation.
INSTRUCTIONS
- I will divide the class into two teams. Each team will form a single file line behind their team’s marker cone.
- I will whisper a pool safety rule to each person in the front of the line.
- When I say, “GO!” whisper into the ear of the person standing behind you, the sentence as clearly as you can.
- If you are the last student in line, run to the front of the line and high-five the teacher and whisper the sentence.
- The student to high-five the teacher first gets to relay the sentence first.
- At the end of each game, the first student will shift down to the end of line. I will create a new sentence.
Game 1: Play as indicated above.
Game 2: Have the whole class participate as one team.
Exit Ticket: Have students describe four pool safety rules before they line up to return to class.
TEACHING TIPS
- Approach:
- Add safety rules that are specific to your facilities.
- ELL Accommodation:
- Post labeled pictures of skills.
- Partner with proficient English speakers for directions/modeling and reflections.
- SpEd Accommodation:
- Allow students extra time to respond.
- Allow students to respond with the help of pictures, a peer helper, manipulatives, or teacher.
- Set individual goals for physical or behavioral modifications.
- Reflection:
- Why are pool safety rules important?
- I was a good partner today because I...
SAFETY CHARADES
TIME
15-25 minutes
NUMBER OF STUDENTS
No restrictions
EQUIPMENT
None
STORYLINE
Today we are playing Safety Charades. Your goal is to act out a pool safety rule.
INSTRUCTIONS
- I will divide the class into teams of four.
- Before the game begins, take a seat with your team.
- I will choose a person to come up and perform a pool safety rule.
- While you are performing, you cannot speak or make any sound effects. If you do so, you will be asked to return to your team and the next team will come up.
- I will choose one person from each team to guess the correct safety rule.
- Once the charade is guessed correctly, take a seat and I will call the next student up.
Game 1: Play as indicated above.
Game 2: Have students create their own teams.
Exit Ticket: Have students describe four pool safety rules before they line up to return to class.
TEACHING TIPS
- Approach:
- Review the pool safety rules before playing the game.
- Add additional pool safety rules that apply to your facility.
- ELL Accommodation:
- Post labeled pictures of skills.
- Partner with proficient English speakers for directions/modeling and reflections.
- SpEd Accommodation:
- Allow students extra time to respond.
- Allow students to respond with the help of pictures, a peer helper, manipulatives, or teacher.
- Set individual goals for physical or behavioral modifications.
- Reflection:
- Why are pool safety rules important?
- I was a good partner today because I...