Entering and Exiting the Swimming Pool for Primary 1

Class: Primary One
Term: Second Term
Subject: Basic Science and Technology
Curriculum Theme: Physical and Health Education
Previous Lesson:
Topic: Entering and Exiting the Swimming Pool
Content/Learning Area: Safe ways of entering and leaving a swimming pool
Time Allocation: 40 minutes

Performance Objectives

By the end of the lesson, pupils should be able to:

1. State two rules for entering and leaving a swimming pool.
2. Identify the steps or ladder as safe pool entry and exit points.
3. Demonstrate the movements on dry ground under supervision.
4. Show willingness to wait for an instructor’s direction.

Reference Materials

• 9-Year Basic Education Curriculum
• Approved Primary Physical and Health Education textbooks
• School swimming-safety rules

Instructional Materials

Pool-safety picture cards, a floor line representing the pool edge, a stable practice step, and a flotation aid for identification.

Rationale for the Lesson

Safe entry and exit reduce slips, falls and panic around water. Pupils must learn to follow an instructor and use only an approved entry or exit point.

Prerequisite/Previous Knowledge

Pupils know that wet surfaces can be slippery and that children require adult supervision near water.

Lesson Content

Before Entering

Enter a swimming pool only when a trained adult gives permission. Walk slowly on the pool deck, listen to instructions, check the depth marking with the adult, and use the designated shallow entry point. Never run, push, dive into unknown water or enter a pool alone.

Safe Entry

For a beginner, the safest method is usually to face the pool steps or ladder, hold the rails firmly and move one foot at a time. At a supervised pool edge, an instructor may teach a seated entry: sit facing the water, place both hands beside the body, turn carefully, lower the body and release only when secure. Pupils practise these movements on dry ground unless qualified supervision and proper facilities are available.

Safe Exit

Move to the steps or ladder when told to leave. Hold both rails, climb one step at a time, and walk away from the wet edge. Do not climb over another swimmer. Tell the instructor immediately if someone slips or appears to be in difficulty.

Safety Reminder

A child should call a trained adult in an emergency and should not jump into the water to rescue another person.

Teaching Methods

Discussion, picture study, teacher demonstration and supervised dry-land practice.

Instructional Procedures

Step 1: Introduction

Teacher’s Activity: Shows safe and unsafe poolside pictures.
Pupils’ Activity: Identify what is happening.

Step 2: Explanation

Teacher’s Activity: Explains permission, walking, depth awareness and approved entry points.
Pupils’ Activity: Repeat the rules.

Step 3: Demonstration

Teacher’s Activity: Demonstrates holding rails and moving one foot at a time on a dry practice step.
Pupils’ Activity: Practise in turns without water.

Step 4: Guided Practice

Teacher’s Activity: Presents short situations for pupils to judge as safe or unsafe.
Pupils’ Activity: Explain their choices.

Step 5: Note-Taking

Teacher’s Activity: Guides pupils to copy four short safety rules.
Pupils’ Activity: Write the rules.

Step 6: Evaluation/Review

Teacher’s Activity: Checks pupils’ explanations and dry-land demonstration.
Pupils’ Activity: Respond and demonstrate.

Objective-aligned checks:

1. State two rules for entering and leaving a swimming pool.
2. Identify the steps or ladder as safe pool entry and exit points.
3. Demonstrate the movements on dry ground under supervision.

Step 7: Conclusion

Teacher’s Activity: Reinforces adult supervision and careful movement.
Pupils’ Activity: State the main safety message.

Lesson Keywords

• Supervision: Careful watching and guidance by a responsible trained adult.
• Ladder: Fixed steps used to enter or leave a pool.
• Pool deck: The walking area around a pool.
• Shallow: Having water that is not deep.

Lesson Evaluation

1. Who must give permission before a child enters a pool?
2. Why should pupils walk around the pool?
3. Name one safe entry point.
4. Show how to hold a ladder when climbing out.
5. What should a child do after seeing a swimmer in difficulty?

Assignment/Homework

Draw a pool ladder and write two safety rules for entering or leaving a swimming pool.

Differentiation

• For pupils needing support: Use sequenced picture cards and rehearse one movement at a time.
• For advanced pupils: Ask them to explain why each safety rule prevents harm.
• For pupils with mobility needs: Discuss that accessible pool entry may use a ramp or pool lift with trained assistance.

Note for Teachers

Do not conduct water practice without qualified supervision, a suitable facility and the school’s safety procedures. Dry-land demonstration is sufficient for this classroom lesson.