Body Position & Floating

Learning Outcomes

Develop streamlined body position in the water.
Practice basic floating techniques on the back and front.

Description Of Activity

Warm-Up (5 minutes):
Have students walk or jog lightly around the poolside to get their bodies warm.
Simple stretches for arms, shoulders, and legs can be incorporated.

Activity (15-20 minutes):

Kicking with Streamlined Body (5 minutes):
Instruct students to line up at the edge of the pool holding onto the wall.
Explain the concept of a streamlined body position long and straight like a "starfish."
Ask them to kick their legs up and down while keeping their bodies straight and core engaged. Encourage a flutter kick with toes pointed.
Focus on maintaining a straight body with minimal hip movement.

Blowing Bubbles (3 minutes):
While still holding onto the wall, have students practice blowing bubbles underwater.
This helps them get comfortable holding their breath and keeping their face in the water.
Encourage them to exhale slowly and steadily through their nose or mouth.

Back Floating (5 minutes):
Introduce back floating with adult supervision nearby.
Ask students to hold onto the wall and then gently lean back with arms outstretched overhead and head tilted back slightly.
Encourage them to relax their bodies and feel the water supporting them.
Adult helpers can gently support students' backs and heads until they feel comfortable floating independently.
Once comfortable, some students may enjoy closing their eyes and feeling the sensation of floating.

Front Floating (5 minutes):
Similar to back floating, introduce front floating with adult supervision.
Have students hold onto the wall and then gently lie on their stomachs with arms outstretched in front (like Superman).
Instruct them to tilt their heads back slightly, keeping their mouths and noses above the water.
Adult helpers can support students' chests and hips until they feel comfortable.
Encourage relaxation and focus on feeling the water supporting their bodies.

Cool-Down (5 minutes):
Have students walk or jog lightly around the pool again.
Simple stretches can be repeated to cool down muscles.

Wrap-Up:
Gather students and discuss the activity.
Ask them what they learned about body position and floating.
Offer praise and encouragement for their efforts.

Safety Considerations:
This activity should be conducted with adult supervision at all times, especially for younger children.
Ensure the water depth is appropriate for the student's comfort level.
Instruct students not to push or dunk each other underwater.
Be aware of any individual needs or anxieties students may have and adjust the activity accordingly.

Additional Tips:
Use pool noodles for added support during floating exercises if needed.
Demonstrate each technique clearly before asking students to try it themselves.
Make the activity fun and engaging to keep students motivated.
Celebrate small successes and focus on progress, not perfection.
By following these steps, you can create a safe and enjoyable swimming activity that helps young children develop their body position and basic floating skills.

Variations

Guess the Object (optional):
Play a game of "guess the object" while holding their breath underwater.
The instructor holds up an object for a few seconds before students submerge.
Students then resurface and guess the object they saw.
This adds a fun element and encourages holding their breath for short periods.

Bobbing (optional):
Introduce "bobbing" as a way to practice submerging and coming back up.
Students stand chest-deep in the water.
Instruct them to bend forward and submerge their heads and shoulders underwater for a few seconds.
Encourage them to maintain a breath hold while submerged.
Then, have them slowly come back up to the surface and breathe.
Repeat this bobbing motion several times.

Equipment/Material Required

Pool noodles (optional)
Underwater toys (optional, for variation)