Lifesaving Safety Lesson

Safety must be a key part of every lesson. A safe lifesaving session is a happy session. With just a bit of common sense you can integrate safety into a class without it being a hindrance.

Lifeguards

Always have a qualified lifeguard watch your lesson. As the teacher you may be too focussed on the lesson to notice a problem. That's what the lifeguard is for.

If your team runs several classes at once, you may need more lifeguards. They should wear the usual red and yellow uniform to be quickly recognised.

Weak Swimmers

If you have weak swimmers in your class, you may want a lifeguard with your class in the water. This reassures everyone and they can quickly help out.

Please note that weak swimmers and non-swimmers can learn and use many lifesaving skills, like land based rescues, resuscitation and more. You just have to be mindful of their safety, hence the lifeguard nearby.

Observe Water Safety Rules

Remember to apply the usual water safety rules to every activity and lesson. Make sure that the activities and directions given to class members are designed to create a safe environment and protect them from injury.

Be aware of specific safety directions for certain skills, like preventing injury when teaching and practising defences and releases.

Furthermore, check that none of the equipment you use has broken parts, sharp edges, splinters or other hazards. Likewise, no clothing in the pool should have metal bits or spiky parts. Leave all jewellery and piercings in your lockers.