Baseline Procedure
1. Take Attendance
Recorders call out student names, and line them up in order. (Each recorder will have a group of students approximately ½ of full class)
In the attendance column, mark an ‘X’ if they are present, and a ‘-’ if they are absent.
Only students who have completed waivers should be called for attendance. Do not add students' names to the recording sheets.
Walk the students over in order to the instructors to begin skill evaluation.
2. Bob Test
One instructor describes (not teaches) the Safe Entry skill and the Bob Test. Assure students that an instructor will be next to them and ready to help.
At the same time, another instructor demonstrates (not teaches) the Safe Entry skill and the Bob Test.
Then, all instructors select 1 student at a time to evaluate (without teaching) the Bob test.
Instructors should encourage each student no more than twice to enter the water and perform the skill before moving on to the next student.
After each student performs the skill, instructors communicate the appropriate score to the recorder.
Instructors work together to evaluate all students before moving on to the next skill.
3. Tread
One instructor describes (not teaches) the Tread skill. Encourage students to perform the skill as long as they can (not just as long as the demonstration). Assure students that an instructor will be next to them and ready to help.
At the same time, another instructor demonstrates (not teaches) examples of Treading
Then, all instructors select up to 2 student(s) at a time to evaluate (without teaching) the Tread skill. (Max of 60 seconds)
Instructors should encourage each student no more than twice to perform the skill, then move to the next student.
After each student performs the skill, instructors communicate the amount of time that was performed to the recorder.
Instructors work together to evaluate all students before moving on to the next skill.
4. Float
One instructor describes (not teaches) the Survival Float on Back skill. Encourage students to perform the skill as long as they can (not just as long as the demonstration). Assure students that an instructor will be next to them and ready to help.
At the same time, another instructor demonstrates (not teaches) examples of Floating on their back.
Then, all instructors select up to 2 student(s) at a time to evaluate (without teaching) the Survival Float on Back skill. (Max of 30 seconds)
Instructors should encourage each student no more than twice to perform the skill, then move to the next student.
After each student performs the skill, instructors communicate the amount of time that was performed to the recorder.
Instructors work together to evaluate all students before moving on to the next skill.
5. Front Swim
One instructor describes (not teaches) multiple methods of swimming while positioned on your front. Use phrases other than stroke names (e.g. “swim on your front”, “arms at the same time”, “kick like a frog”, etc.). Assure students that an instructor will be next to them and ready to help.
At the same time, another instructor demonstrates (not teaches) examples of Breaststroke and Front Crawl stroke.
Then, one instructor* selects one student at a time to evaluate the front swim. Another instructor positions themselves to assist the student if necessary.
If there are more than two instructors, remaining instructors should prepare the next student in line to reduce time between assessments, and rotate into the role of being positioned to provide assistance.
Instructors should encourage each student no more than twice to perform the skill, then move to the next student.
After each student performs the skill, the one instructor communicates the appropriate score to the recorder.
Instructors work together to ensure all students are safe while attempting the front swim, and enable the one instructor to assess all students as efficiently as possible.
6. Back Swim
One instructor describes (not teaches) multiple methods of swimming while positioned on your front. Use phrases other than stroke names. Assure students that an instructor will be next to them and ready to help.
At the same time, another instructor demonstrates (not teaches) examples of Elementary Backstroke and Back Crawl stroke.
Then, one instructor* selects one student at a time to evaluate the back swim. Another instructor positions themselves to assist the student if necessary, and ensure they do not hit their head on the wall during the return swim.
If there are more than two instructors, remaining instructors should prepare the next student in line to reduce time between assessments, and rotate into the role of being positioned to provide assistance.
Instructors should encourage each student no more than twice to perform the skill, then move to the next student.
After each student performs the skill, the one instructor communicates the appropriate score to the recorder.
Instructors work together to ensure all students are safe while attempting the back swim, and enable the one instructor to assess all students as efficiently as possible.
7. Distance Swim
Note: If time is limited due to unplanned circumstances, the Distance Swim assessment should be prioritized and moved ahead of the preceding swim skill assessments.
One (1) instructor describes the Distance Swim by explaining to students they will need to swim as far as they can using their “best way” or “favorite way”. Refer to the methods of swimming they just did on the front or back as options. Assure students that an instructor will be next to them and ready to help.
Then, all instructors select one student at a time to evaluate the Distance Swim. Venue permitting, go out and back 12.5 yards (each way) to reduce time between assessments. (Max of 25 yards)
Instructors should encourage each student no more than twice to perform the skill, then move to the next student.
After each student performs the skill, instructors communicate the total distance swum to the recorder.
Instructors work together to evaluate all students before moving on.
8. If Time Remains
Begin teaching the Back Float skill or the Stationary Bobs skill, whichever is most appropriate for the ability level of average students.
If one group finishes before the other, available instructors should go assist the other group to complete the Distance Swim.
* The Front and Back Swim assessments should be performed only by instructors who have been trained for the Intermediate Level swim skill assessments.