Front Float (FF)
INTRODUCTIONFloating is the act of remaining at or near the surface of aquatic environments without actively moving in any direction, and the Front Float is a method of floating in a prone position. It is characterized by the arms, legs, and back remaining still and at the surface, while holding the breath with the face below the surface. Becoming proficient with the Front Float develops Stationary Surface Competency and Breath Control Competency.
Floating skills in general are considered to be the most effective methods of conserving energy. Floating on the front, when compared to floating on the back, enables individuals to better relax and conserve energy while in choppy or rough water, as well as providing better visibility of nearby locations and hazards. The Front Float skill in particular puts emphasis on maintaining the arms, legs, and torso 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 front, individuals should focus on relaxing and becoming comfortable laying face down in the water. As individuals become more comfortable, the focus of the Front Float skill should be on developing and demonstrating body control and buoyancy control. Becoming familiar with how different actions, such as tucking the chin or holding the arms out above the head, affect buoyancy will lead to individuals finding their own balance in the floating position. This not only improves energy conservation by reducing the need for motion of the limbs, but also is applicable and aids in learning other skills on the front, such as front swims, other float skills, and orientation skills.
The Front Float skill is defined as the following:
Body
Body positioned on front
Shoulders and hips at surface
Body remains still
Head, neck, and spine in line
Face below surface with back of head above surface
Arms
Arms remain still at or near surface
Arms extended out at shoulder level or just overhead
Legs
Legs remain still at or near surface
Legs extended with some separation
Breathing
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 front for less than 3 seconds
2
Performs all of the following:
✔ Floats on front for at least 3 seconds
Exhibits any of the following:
✖ Has shoulders or hips below the surface
✖ Has face above 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 front for at least 5 seconds
✔ Keeps shoulders and hips at the surface
✔ Keeps face below 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 back of head below the surface
✖ Has some body or limb movement
✖ Has arms fully overhead or near sides
✖ Has legs together
✖ Breathes during float without compromising body position
4
Performs all of the following:
✔ Floats on front for 10 seconds
✔ Keeps shoulders and hips at the surface
✔ Keeps head, neck, and spine in line
✔ Keeps face below surface with back of head above the surface
✔ Keeps body and limbs still
✔ Keeps arms and legs at or near the surface
✔ Extends arms out at shoulder level or just overhead
✔ Extends legs with some separation
✔ Holds breath