The following six lessons are a set of plans aimed at a group of children from Year 4 and Year 6. My group totals twelve with some children moving up to the next ability group and these will be replaced by children in turn coming up from a lower ability. We all understand the stress involved in teaching swimming, as it is not only part of the N.C. but also an invaluable life skill.

It seems you are acutely aware of everything they do as their lives are put into your hands and the lifeguards on duty. Many people you speak to will confirm how difficult, yet rewarding it is to teach someone to swim. As teachers, we can only do our best, be aware of the dangers and allow the children to enjoy themselves and be children.

Safety Points: Before, During and After Every Lesson
Safety is the most important factor in all swimming lessons. You must have a detailed knowledge of:

• Pool layout e.g. the size, shape, depth, width, gradient, slides etc.
• Changing room layout e.g. size, showers, toilets, exits, lockers etc.
• Location of all exits and fire exits.
• Location of safety equipment.
• Location of all deep water.
• First aid room, equipment, person etc.
• First aid.
• Operation of resuscitation equipment.
• Cardio-pulmonary resuscitation.
• Location of all telephones.
• Normal operating procedures.
• Emergency operating procedures.
• Medical information of pupils and colleagues.

Common Sense Do's and Don'ts.

• Do not leave the class or group unattended.
• Do not turn away from group.
• Do not let pupils enter the water without permission.
• Do not let pupils leave the lesson without supervision/permission.
• Do wear suitable identifiable clothing.
• Do know the capabilities of the swimmers.
• Check there is another adult observing the pool.
• Check your numbers and group size.
• Do carry a whistle and make children aware of signals.
• Do use an upright teaching stance to keep sight of the group.
• Remind the children of the pool-side rules and procedures.

There are many other things to be considered so don't be afraid to ask your PE Co-ordinator, Line Manager, Headteacher, Poolside Co-ordinator or LEA personnel.

Nothing replaces common sense and the ability to ask questions.

Try to get on any LEA Swimming Courses, especially if they are to be held at the pool you will be teaching at. They will give you far more detail and confidence, they can cover huge areas in detail from anatomy to fault correction in a swimming stroke.

These lessons will be added to, with more details, hints and contact numbers.

I would like to thank my Headteacher, Mr. H Jones, Mr. Paul Castle (Secondary school teacher, Head of P.E, Dover) and the Amateur Swimming Association for their help and guidance.

Useful publication:
The Teaching of Swimming - Amateur Swimming Association.

Christopher Millis
Deputy Head Teacher
Ynysfach Primary School