Entering Safely (K3)
KNOWLEDGE OBJECTIVE ACTIVITYBefore you get in the water or do the physical sSafe Entry skill, talk about why we always use this method of entering the water. Mention that taking the time to sit down and go slowly helps to make sure you don't fall in accidentally, and it gives you time to look around before you get in. Discuss the importance of observing the area you are entering to look for anything that might be dangerous, making sure to expand the discussion to think about settings beyond just the pool. You may point out that using the exact Safe Entry skill does not work for every environment (like a beach or other flat entry), but highlight the fact that you still want to enter safely, and observing the area you are entering before you get in is very important.
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:
What should you check before getting in the water?
Example Student Responses:
How deep the water is
What the temperature is (too cold, or too hot)
If there are any rocks or objects you might hit when getting in
If the ground is slippery
If there are sharp rocks/edges
How big the waves are
If there are currents
There is no one in the way you might hit
That you have a buddy/friend
If there are lifeguards or other adults watching
Posted warning signs (jellyfish, rip current, etc)