Back Float (BF)
INTRODUCTIONFloating is the act of remaining at or near the surface of aquatic environments without actively moving in any direction, and the Back Float is a method of floating in a supine position. It is characterized by the arms, legs, and chest remaining still and at the surface, with the face above the surface. Becoming proficient with the Back Float develops Stationary Surface competency.
Floating skills in general are considered the best methods of conserving energy. Floating on the back, compared to floating on the front, allows immediate access to air to breathe and the ability to call for help. The Back Float skill in particular, compared to other float skills, puts emphasis on maintaining the arms, legs, and chest at the surface. This emphasis on body position aids in the development of body control and buoyancy control, both of which are essential for learning many other aquatic skills.
When first learning to float on the back, individuals should focus on relaxing. Becoming comfortable with the ears below the surface and the face above the surface with the chin untucked should be prioritized. This head position not only helps individuals relax, but also provides balance in the floating position, thus reducing the need for motion of the limbs and conserving energy. As individuals become more comfortable on their back, the focus of the Back Float skill should be on developing and demonstrating body control and buoyancy control. Confidence and comfort with maintaining body posture and controlling buoyancy carries over to learning other skills on the back, such as back swims, other float skills, and orientation skills.
The Back Float skill is defined as the following:
Body
Body positioned on back
Chest and hips at surface
Body remains still
Head, neck, and spine in line
Face above surface with ears under surface
Arms
Arms remain still at or near surface
Arms extended out near shoulder level or just overhead
Legs
Legs remain still at or near surface
Legs extended with some separation
Breathing
Breathing controlled or breath held
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:
✖ Floats on back for less than 3 seconds
✖ Has face below the surface
2
Performs all of the following:
✔ Floats on back for at least 3 seconds
✔ Keeps face above the surface
Exhibits any of the following:
✖ Has chest or hips below surface
✖ Does not extend arms and legs
✖ Has arms or legs sagging below the surface
✖ Moves limbs or head continuously
3
Performs all of the following:
✔ Floats on back for at least 5 seconds
✔ Keeps chest and hips at the surface
✔ Keeps face above the surface
✔ Keeps arms and legs at or near the surface
✔ Keeps arms straight
✔ Keeps legs straight
Exhibits any of the following:
✖ Does not keep head, neck, and spine in line
✖ Has ears above the surface
✖ Has some body or limb movement
✖ Has arms fully overhead or near sides
✖ Has legs together
✖ Breathing disrupts float posture
4
Performs all of the following:
✔ Floats on back for 10 seconds
✔ Keeps chest and hips at the surface
✔ Keeps head, neck, and spine in line
✔ Keeps face above surface with ears under the surface
✔ Keeps body and limbs still
✔ Keeps arms and legs at or near the surface
✔ Extends arms out near shoulder level or just overhead
✔ Extends legs with some separation
✔ Holds breath or has controlled breathing