Core Aquatic Skills
Safe Entries and Exits
Taught from the very first lesson, methods of entering and exiting the water safely which underpin an individual’s confidence and independence and also allow the smooth and safe flow of class lessons. These will include climbing, walking, rolling and sliding and jumping entries and walking/climbing
exits. Not only does this give the child confidence but peace of mind for the parents and teacher.
Aquatic Breathing and Submersion
You cannot swim without your face in the water. Developing confidence in the water and a feeling of being at ease with the water around the face or the head under the water. Eventually requires to be applied to specific strokes e.g. breathing in front crawl.
Orientation
Awareness of body position in the water and ability to manoeuvre the body through changing shapes and direction. Starts from day 1 as learners become familiar with the water environment.
Roatation
The ability to turn/rotate in different directions/around different axes with control while maintaining spacial awareness and balance.
Floatation
Developing confidence in the support of the water and understanding of personal buoyancy. Understand the role/importance of the air in the lungs.
Steamlining
Streamlining is the alignment of the body to reduce resistance and allow maximum benefit from propulsive forces. Will be included (in different guises) in all lessons.
Propulsion
The ability to apply force (using arms/hands and legs/feet) in order to move the body through the water. Should be introduced from the start and in every lesson. Initially will be with artificial aids progressing to without.
Sculling
Sculling is closely associated with ‘FEEL’ of the water due to the subtle changes in the pitch of the hands. The basic movement of sculling features in most manoeuvring skills that beginners learn and should be encouraged from the start.
Treading Water
Treading water is the ability to remain upright in the water with the head clear using sculling of the hands and kicking of the legs for support. Should be introduced in shoulder depth water. Needs to be introduced before learners move on to swimming in deep water (for safety).