Helping Others (K2)
KNOWLEDGE OBJECTIVE ACTIVITYBefore starting to teach the physical Reach Assist skill, introduce the concept that entering the water to assist other people is dangerous. Discuss why it is dangerous with your class, making sure to touch on the following three topics: 1) Whatever caused the person to be in trouble could also affect you if you get in the water (currents, sharp rocks, etc). 2) The other person is panicking and might pull you under to try and stay up without realizing they are doing that to you. 3) How difficult it is to move someone in the water (you can't just pick them up or drag them, you may need more help).
Next, spend a moment with your class brainstorming things you can do to help someone in a dangerous situation without causing more danger to yourself. (Such as: reaching something out, throwing something that floats to the person in trouble, getting an adult, finding a lifeguard, calling 911, or something similar.) Keep in mind what age group you are teaching. 2nd graders may not be able to come up with many solutions on their own; after letting them think, you may need to give them the answers for things they can safely do, that way they can respond with those options when answering the assessment prompt.
Assessment
The following prompt must be used when assessing students on the Knowledge Objective.
A score of either plus (+) or minus (-) is recorded based on the instructor's judgement of if the student's response was equivalent in meaning and level of detail to the example responses.
Knowledge Objective Prompt:
If you see someone who needs help, should you ever go into the water to help them?
What can you do instead?
Example Student Responses:
Should you go in?
No!
It is not safe to enter the water when someone else is in danger!
What can you do instead?
Ask for help from a lifeguard
Tell an adult
Call 9-1-1
Find something floaty to give to them
Reach something, throw something, but DO NOT go in!