Roll and Recover (RO)
INTRODUCTIONThe Roll and Recover skill develops the ability to transition from one body position to another, specifically focusing on changing between front (prone) and back (supine) positions, and recovering to a vertical position. It is characterized by side rolling between floating positions before moving to an upright position. Becoming proficient with the Roll and Recover skill develops Orientation Competency.
Transitioning between positions allows individuals to adapt to situations and circumstances, which is critical for safety. For example, it is necessary to be able to move into standing position after swimming to the shallow side of a pool, or to roll into a position to be able to breathe after an unintentional entry. Roll and Recover ensures that students practice transition skills and become more comfortable with multiple body positions while in aquatic environments.
Individuals who are first learning how to transition from one body position to another should focus on rolling in one direction (e.g either clockwise or counter-clockwise), and prioritize rolling from front to back in order to ensure the ability to get into a position to breathe after an unintentional entry. Learning to tuck and move into a vertical position should also be prioritized. As individuals become more comfortable, the emphasis should shift to versatility; being able to roll from both back to front and front to back, in both directions (clockwise or counter-clockwise), while stationary or propelling, and recover to a vertical position from either the front or the back. This will equip individuals with the ability to adapt to any situation by transitioning to the body position and skill best suited for the circumstances.
The Roll and Recover skill is defined as the following:
Body
While floating or rolling, body positioned horizontally with shoulders and hips at or near surface
While treading or standing, body positioned vertically with head above surface
Roll sequence
Position body on front – floating; may scull or kick slightly to help maintain buoyancy
Side roll to position body on back
Maintain position on back – floating; may scull or kick slightly to help maintain buoyancy
Side roll to position body on front
Maintain position on front – floating; may scull or kick slightly to help maintain buoyancy
Recover to a vertical body position
Maintain vertical body position – treading, standing, or holding onto object
Breathing
While on front, breath held
While on back and while vertical, breathing controlled and continuous
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:
✖ Does not roll in either direction
2
Performs all of the following:
✔ Rolls from front to back only, OR rolls from back to front only
Exhibits any of the following:
✖ Is unable to recover to a vertical position
✖ Does not roll in both directions
✖ Does not maintain a horizontal body position at or near the surface during each roll
3
Performs all of the following:
✔ Maintains a horizontal body position at or near the surface during
each roll
✔ Maintains a vertical body position with head above the surface while treading or standing
✔ Rolls from front to back
✔ Rolls from back to front
✔ Recovers to a vertical body position
Exhibits any of the following:
✖ Does not pause and maintain position after each roll
✖ Does not hold breath while on front
✖ Does not breathe while on back
4
Performs all of the following:
✔ Maintains a horizontal body position at or near the surface before, during, and after each roll
✔ Maintains a vertical body position with head above the surface while treading or standing
✔ Rolls from front to back
✔ Rolls from back to front
✔ Recovers to a vertical body position
✔ Holds breath while on front
✔ Breathes while on back