Teaching in the Water

It is recognised that in some circumstances the pool operator or teacher/provider will have to assess the risk and may feel it is more appropriate to teach in the water. This practice should only be considered after carrying out a risk assessment giving careful consideration to all the following factors:

• Pool depth,
• The ability of learners,
• Age of learners,
• Use of flotation aids and lifesaving support,
• The teacher can clearly see all learners at all times and be close enough to provide appropriate manual support if required.

In this way, it may be practicable to supervise up to 6 learners, ratios may need to be reduced to ensure safety and effective teaching.  Ratios above this should not be considered unless additional helpers are in the water.

For additional information, please see Swim England Safe Supervision (the latest version is due out shortly).

Statutory Information

There should always be qualified school staff on the poolside with an overview of the group and the lifeguard should be on the side of the pool.

Supporting pupils in the water

Supporting pupils through physical contact can be helpful to their progress and, depending on the situation, it might be appropriate to support pupils by their hands, shoulders or head.  To demonstrate appropriate safeguarding techniques it is best practice to keep hands where they can be seen at all times and offer support by using a flat, open palm, back of the hand or by using floatation/teaching equipment.  Pupils should always be asked if they are happy for support using physical contact.  If they say ‘no’, or are not comfortable with this teaching practice, you will need to find an alternative method of support.  The school should work with parents and the pupil to understand the best method of support (if for example, the pupil has swimming lessons outside of school and is supported in the water).  This should be identified within the Risk Assessment and agreed with all (including the headteacher) prior to the School Swimming Programme commencing.

Important Information

When you do use manual support, it is important that you make sure that:

• It is only provided when necessary and only for as long as it is required,
• Pupils are handled with empathy,
• The member of staff in the water has checked that pupils are happy to be supported, discussions take place about how they will be supported,
• School staff are aware of potential safeguarding implications and ensure that, for example, their hands are appropriately positioned and in full view at all times,
• The swimming teacher should keep his/her hands in view whenever possible,
• The member of school staff in the water should be easily recognisable by, for example, wearing a bright t-shirt,
• The personal space of the learner should not be infringed - the member of school staff in the water should be aware of familiarity that may come from pupils.