Safety Lesson

Safety must be a key part of every lesson. With just a bit of common sense you can integrate it into a class without it being a hindrance.

Ensure Safety

A safe swimming session is a happy session. Lifeguards supervise the swimmers closely and are prepared to intervene if necessary. They also ensure that the pool is clean and well-maintained, and that the swimmerss are aware of the safety rules.

Weak Swimmers

If you have weak swimmers in your class, you may want a lifeguard with you 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 at home or in your lockers.

Lifeguard Supervision

Lifeguards should watch your activities at all times. You can't teach and supervise the pool at the same time, you will be too busy with your training or teaching that you may miss what happens around you. Lifeguards look out for you and alert you if needed. They should wear the usual red and yellow uniform to be quickly recognised.

Although it may not be required, instructors should hold a lifeguard training certificate. If several teachers hold lifeguard qualifications, they can take turns with watching the pool and teaching in the water.