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Lesson Note on Swimming: Safety, Sanitation and Swimming Strokes for SS 2

A lesson note on Swimming Continue for SS 2 covering safety education, sanitary rules and swimming strokes like front crawl, breaststroke, butterfly, backstroke and side.

ByPublishedMar 5, 2026Reading7 minComments0

Class: Senior Secondary School 2 (SS2 / SSS 2)
Term: Second Term
Week: 8
Age: 16 years
Duration: 45 minutes
Subject: Physical Education
Curriculum Theme: Physical Fitness and Recreation
Previous Lesson: Swimming: Meaning, Origin, Techniques and Body Alignment.
Topic: Swimming Continue
Subject Matter: Safety education in swimming, sanitary education in swimming, swimming strokes (front crawl, breast stroke, butterfly, back stroke, side stroke)

Specific Objectives

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

Cognitive Domain:

  • Explain at least three safety rules for swimming.
  • Describe two sanitary practices to observe when swimming.
  • Identify and briefly explain three different swimming strokes.

Affective Domain:

  • Appreciate the importance of safety and hygiene in swimming.
  • Show willingness to follow safety and sanitation rules in a swimming environment.
  • Develop an interest in learning various swimming strokes.

Psychomotor Domain:

  • Demonstrate appropriate safety measures around a swimming pool.
  • Practice basic hygienic habits before and after swimming.
  • Attempt to perform simple movements of at least one swimming stroke.

Social Domain:

  • Collaborate with peers during swimming practice sessions.
  • Show respect for other swimmers and pool instructors.

Reference Materials

The following resources were used in planning this lesson:

  • Senior Secondary Schools Education Curriculum
  • State Unified Scheme of Work
  • Physical and Health Education for Senior Secondary Schools, Book 2

Instructional Materials

The teacher will teach this lesson with the aid of:

  • Swimming pool
  • Swimming trunk
  • Swimming cap
  • Life guard
  • Goggles
  • Pictures or charts illustrating swimming strokes

Rationale for the Lesson

This lesson helps pupils understand the essential safety measures and sanitary practices required for swimming, which are important for personal well-being and the safety of others. It also introduces them to various swimming strokes, broadening their knowledge and practical skills in aquatic sports.

Prerequisite/Previous Knowledge

Pupils have basic knowledge of water sports and may have seen people swim before.

Lesson Content/Board Summary

Swimming

Safety Education in Swimming

Safety education in swimming involves understanding and following rules to prevent accidents and ensure the well-being of all swimmers. Adhering to these rules is important to avoid injuries and drowning.

The following are important safety measures in swimming:

  • Always swim under adult supervision, especially by a lifeguard.
  • Avoid running around the pool deck to prevent slips and falls.
  • Do not dive into shallow ends of the pool. Always check water depth before diving.
  • Never swim alone; always use the buddy system.
  • Know your limits and do not attempt strokes or distances beyond your capability.
  • Obey all pool rules and instructions from lifeguards or instructors.
  • Avoid horseplay or roughhousing in the water.

Sanitary Education in Swimming

Sanitary education in swimming focuses on maintaining cleanliness and hygiene to prevent the spread of germs and diseases in and around the swimming area. Good hygiene protects both individual swimmers and the community.

The following are important sanitary practices in swimming:

  • Shower thoroughly with soap and water before entering the pool to remove dirt and oils.
  • Use the restroom before entering the pool.
  • Avoid urinating or defecating in the pool.
  • Do not swim if you have open wounds, cuts, or infections.
  • Wear clean swimming attire, including a cap and goggles.
  • Dispose of waste properly in designated bins.
  • Rinse off after swimming to remove chlorine and other chemicals.

Swimming Strokes

Swimming strokes are various styles or methods of moving through water using coordinated movements of the arms, legs, and body. Each stroke has a unique technique and is used for different purposes.

The following are common swimming strokes:

  • Front Crawl (Freestyle) – This is often considered the fastest stroke. The swimmer lies face down in the water, performing alternating arm strokes with a continuous flutter kick. Breathing is done by turning the head to the side.
  • Breaststroke – This stroke is performed on the chest with arms and legs moving symmetrically. The arms sweep outwards and then inwards, while the legs perform a frog-like kick. It is often slower but allows for easy breathing.
  • Butterfly – This is a powerful and demanding stroke. Both arms move simultaneously overhead and then pull through the water, while the legs perform a dolphin kick (a simultaneous up-and-down motion).
  • Backstroke – This is the only competitive stroke swum on the back. The arms alternate in a windmill motion, and the legs perform a flutter kick. Breathing is continuous as the face is out of the water.
  • Sidestroke – This stroke is swum on the side, with one arm extended forward and the other pulling through the water, while the legs perform a scissor-like kick. It is often used for recreational swimming or life-saving.

Teaching Methods/Instructional Techniques

Discussion, Lecture, Demonstration, Question and Answer, Visual Aids

Instructional Procedures

Step 1: Introduction

Time: 5 minutes
Teaching Skill: Set Induction
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher greets the pupils and asks them about their experiences or knowledge regarding swimming pools and water activities.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils respond by sharing their thoughts and experiences.
Learning Point: Pupils are engaged and their prior knowledge is activated.

Step 2: Safety Education in Swimming

Time: 10 minutes
Teaching Skill: Explanation/Discussion
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher explains the importance of safety in swimming and discusses various pool rules and safety measures, such as supervision and avoiding running.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils listen attentively, ask questions, and contribute to the discussion on safety rules.
Learning Point: Pupils understand the necessity of safety and learn specific safety rules.

Step 3: Sanitary Education in Swimming

Time: 10 minutes
Teaching Skill: Explanation/Demonstration
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher explains the importance of hygiene in swimming and describes sanitary practices like showering before and after swimming, and using appropriate changing rooms.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils listen, take notes, and discuss the benefits of maintaining hygiene in swimming environments.
Learning Point: Pupils grasp the significance of sanitation and learn practical hygiene habits.

Step 4: Introduction to Swimming Strokes

Time: 5 minutes
Teaching Skill: Explanation/Illustration
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher introduces the concept of swimming strokes and names different types, such as front crawl, breaststroke, and backstroke, using pictures or charts.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils observe the illustrations and repeat the names of the strokes.
Learning Point: Pupils become familiar with various swimming strokes.

Step 5: Explanation and Demonstration of Strokes

Time: 5 minutes
Teaching Skill: Demonstration/Instruction
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher briefly explains the key features of each stroke and, if possible, demonstrates basic arm and leg movements on land or using a video.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils observe the explanations and demonstrations carefully.
Learning Point: Pupils get a visual and conceptual understanding of how each stroke is performed.

Step 6: Practice and Feedback

Time: 5 minutes
Teaching Skill: Coaching/Correction
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher guides pupils to practice simple movements of one or two strokes (e.g., flutter kick on the side of the pool, arm movements) and provides feedback.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils attempt to practice the movements under the teacher’s guidance.
Learning Point: Pupils gain practical experience and receive immediate correction.

Step 7: Evaluation/Review

Time: 5 minutes
Teaching Skill: Questioning/Assessment
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher evaluates the learning by asking the following questions:

  1. List three important safety rules to observe in a swimming pool.
  2. State two sanitary practices that should be followed when swimming.
  3. Mention and briefly describe three different swimming strokes.
  4. Why is it important to shower before entering a swimming pool?

Pupils’ Activity: Pupils answer orally and in writing.

Learning Point: Pupils demonstrate understanding of the lesson.

Step 8: Conclusion

Time: 2 minutes
Teaching Skill: Summarization
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher summarizes the main points of the lesson, emphasizing the importance of safety, hygiene, and continuous practice of swimming skills. The teacher then gives homework.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils listen to the summary and copy down the homework assignment.
Learning Point: Pupils reinforce their understanding and are prepared for future learning.

Lesson Keywords

  • Swimming – The sport or activity of propelling oneself through water using the limbs.
  • Safety Education – Learning and practicing measures to prevent harm or injury.
  • Sanitary Education – Learning and practicing measures to maintain cleanliness and hygiene.
  • Front Crawl – A swimming stroke performed face down with alternating arm strokes and a flutter kick.
  • Breaststroke – A swimming stroke performed on the chest with symmetrical arm and frog-like leg movements.
  • Backstroke – A swimming stroke performed on the back with alternating arm movements and a flutter kick.

Differentiation

For pupils who are already confident swimmers, the teacher will encourage them to demonstrate and refine their technique for various strokes. For beginners or less confident pupils, the teacher will focus on reinforcing basic water safety, proper entry/exit, and simple arm/leg movements in shallow water, providing more individual attention and encouragement.

Note for teachers using this lesson plan

Ensure a qualified lifeguard is present during any practical swimming activities. Emphasize that practical demonstrations should only be conducted in a safe, supervised environment. Adjust the practical component based on the availability of a swimming pool and the pupils’ swimming abilities. Encourage the use of visual aids like videos or diagrams if a real swimming pool demonstration is not feasible during the lesson period.

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Lesson Note on Swimming: Safety, Sanitation and Swimming Strokes for SS 2
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