Year 5 and Year 6 Personal Survival and Water Safety Course

6 January 2020 

Personal Survival Skills Lessons 

Dear Parents, 

We are pleased to let you know that Year 5 and Year 6 students will be beginning a Personal Survival course during Physical Education lessons this term.

Personal Survival in water is an essential part of the primary curriculum. The main emphasis of each lesson will be on learning to retain body heat so that if students ever find themselves unexpectedly immersed in cold water, they will know how best to survive until they reach safety. Please note, however, that our pool will be heated to a very comfortable, warm temperature in order to train these skills effectively. 

Each class is scheduled to have 3 lessons over a 6 week period as follows: 

Class Lesson 1 Lesson 2 Lesson 3
Y5IM  Tuesday 14 January 2-3 pm  Tuesday 4 February 2-3 pm  Tuesday 18 February 2-3 pm 
Y5HK  Tuesday 21 January 2-3 pm  Tuesday 11 February 2-3 pm Tuesday 25 February 2-3 pm 
Y5LM  Wednesday 15 January 1-2 pm Wednesday 5 February 1-2 pm Wednesday 19 February 1-2 pm
Y5RA  Wednesday 22 January 1-2 pm  Wednesday 12 February 1-2 pm  Wednesday 26 February 1-2 pm
Y6TW Tuesday 14 January 1-2 pm  Tuesday 4 February 1-2 pm  Tuesday 18 February 1-2 pm 
Y6RM  Tuesday 21 January 1-2 pm  Tuesday 11 February 1-2 pm Tuesday 25 February 1-2 pm 
Y6CD  Friday 17 January 1-2 pm  Friday 7 February 1-2 pm  Friday 21 February 1-2 pm  
Y6AH Tuesday 21 January 09:15-10am

(CNY on Friday 24)

 Friday 14 February 

1-2 pm

 Tuesday 25 February 9:15-10am 

(CPD Day on Friday 28) 

 

Course Content and Assessment: 

Lessons 1 and 2 will involve theory on poolside (10-15 mins) followed by 20-25 minutes of focused activity in the water. Session 3 will be a personal survival assessment using the skills learned in the first 2 sessions. There are 2 levels of assessment that students can participate in and each student will receive a checklist of their attainment at the end. Activities will be modified for any swimmers finding the activities too challenging. 

Level 1 Personal Survival Assessment:  Level 2 Personal Survival Assessment: 
  1. Enter water of at least full reach depth from sliding in from a sitting position 
  2. Tread water for 2 minutes 
  3. Swim 25m to a floating object 
  4. Take up the H.E.L.P position for 5 minutes at full reach depth
  5. Swim 50m retaining the floating object 
  6. Climb out from the water of at least full reach depth without the steps or assistance
  7. Answer questions on when the skills might be used. 
  1. Enter the water of at least full rech depth using a straddle entry 
  2. Tread water for 2 minutes with one arm out of the water the raised hand above the head and may swap hands twice throughout 
  3. Swim 25m to a floating object 
  4. Take up the H.E.L.P position for 6 minutes 
  5. Participate in a HUDDLE for 2 minutes using a floating object for support with at least 2 other swimmers 
  6. Swim 100m using a floating object 
  7. Climb out from the water of at least full reach depth without the steps or assistance
  8. Answer questions on when the skills might be used. 

 

In addition to the usual swimwear, we ask students to also bring an old pair of long trousers or a skirt as well as their rash top or an alternative long-sleeved top. These items will enable the students to experience what it is like to swim fully clothed. 

Although children will be asked to keep their head out of the water as much as possible to retain heat, there is still the requirement that students bring and wear a swimming cap. Goggles are not to be worn. Students will be briefed on how to manage their wet clothing after use. 

Kit List: 

  • DBIS Swimwear and swimming cap 
  • Rash top or alternative long-sleeved top 
  • Long trousers or skirt 
  • Towel
  • Dry bag or plastic bag to seal in wet swimwear and clothing 

If you have any questions regarding the Year 5 and Year 6 personal survival course, please do not hesitate to contact me. 

Kind regards, 

 

Susanne Chambers 

Head of Physical Education and Sport 

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