KS2 · Physical education · Year 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6
Getting ready to swim
Swimming: pre-swimming familiarisation, activation and water safety
Learn it. Recall it. Make it stick.
IllumED Slides
IllumED · 1/10
Your learning goal
I can explain the whistle code and demonstrate safe entries and exits, how to regain footing to understand ground rules and key safety information before my first swimming lesson.
1 of 10
Getting ready to swim: slides adapted from the imported teaching text; recall questions created from its keywords, learning points and common mistakes. Self-check practice, with no automatic grading or XP. Answers stay on this page and are cleared when you leave.
What you’ll learn
I can explain the whistle code and demonstrate safe entries and exits, how to regain footing to understand ground rules and key safety information before my first swimming lesson.
Key learning points
- Move: performing safe entry and exits, and regaining footing requires control and balance.
- Move: front paddle arm action involves stretching the hand forwards.
- Think: ensuring you have packed the correct equipment is key for swimming lessons.
- Feel: always working hard and trying your best demonstrates self-motivation.
- Connect: swimming activities are important life skills requiring us to respect others as we increase water confidence.
Words to know
- entry
- a method of carefully and safely getting into the pool
- expectations
- what will happen in the future swimming lessons
- ground rules
- what must happen to keep people safe in the water and at the pool
Common mistakes
If a pupil loses their balance, they may struggle to stand back up. Often, they instinctively put their hands on the pool floor, which can make it even harder to return to a standing position.
Pupils move their knees under their chest, lift their head and pull back with their hands. They can pratise adapted burpees to get used to this movement.
For parents, carers and teachers
- Get the pupils to practice bringing their swimming kit/bag in during the week before their first lesson, so you can check that all pupils have appropriate swimming kit.