Turn Orientation (TO)
The Turn Orientation skill is defined as the following:
Body
Body positioned vertically
Turn Sequence
Begin from a vertical position with head above surface
Rotate 180º
Continue rotating if necessary to face a safe exit or stationary support
Recover to a position supported by a wall, flotation aid, or other stationary object
Breathing
Breathing controlled and regular
Test course
To begin the skill, the student must be in a vertical position in water that is overhead. If the student is supported by a wall, flotation aid, or other stationary object, they must independently let go of the support to begin the skill. While remaining in a vertical position, the student will turn their body at least 180º. Then, if necessary, students must then continue to rotate until they face a safe exit, flotation aid, or other stationary object, and may then grab onto the support to complete the skill.
Scoring
The following scoring rubric lists the gradients of key requirements and deficiencies that provide an overall description of different competence levels.
A single score of 1 - 4 is assigned based on the instructor’s judgment of the student’s performance.
✔
1
Exhibits any of the following:
✖ Does not attempt to turn
2
Performs all of the following:
✔ Attempts to turn
Exhibits any of the following:
✖ Unable to maintain a self-supported vertical position
✖ Turns less than 90º
✖ Inhales water or does not control breathing
3
Performs all of the following:
✔ Maintains a self-supported vertical body position
✔ Rotates at least 90º
✔ Holds breath or has controlled breathing
Exhibits any of the following:
✖ Rotates less than 180º
✖ Does rotate to face a safe exit or stationary support
4
Performs all of the following:
✔ Maintains a self-supported vertical body position
✔ Rotates at least 180º to face a safe exit or stationary support
✔ Holds breath or has controlled breathing