Safe Exit (EX)
INTRODUCTIONSafe Exit is a method of exiting aquatic environments in a safe and controlled manner. It is characterized by pressing with both hands to raise the torso above the surface and bringing one leg at a time onto the pool deck or ground surface. Becoming proficient with Safe Exit develops Safe Exit Competency and Risk Competency.
It should be noted that the Safe Exit skill is not the only possible way to safely exit aquatic environments. However, the safety benefits associated with its limb placement and maintaining three points of contact are applicable in a wide range of environments and situations. Placing both hands firmly on the deck provides a stable base of support while transitioning from water to land, and bringing the knee between the hands ensures that the center of gravity remains within the stable base of the arms. Together, the arm and leg placements provide balance and control throughout the transition, starting from the press up all the way through standing on stable ground.
Before entering any body of water, individuals should develop the habit of first identifying where they will get out. Importantly, this includes identifying multiple possible exits and thinking ahead about how to exit at those locations. If a hazardous or emergency situation arises, it is critical to have a back-up plan and be aware of the safest, most direct way to exit the water. When first learning how to physically exit, the focus should be on stability. Maintaining three points of contact with a solid surface should be prioritized, as the stability it provides helps prevent falling back into the water or slipping forward and landing on a hard surface. As individuals become more proficient exiting the water, the focus should shift to adaptability and control. No two exit locations are exactly alike, even pool deck gutters are different heights from one pool to the next. Increasing control, which includes improving arm strength and climbing ability, allows a greater number of possible exit options at different locations.
The Safe Exit skill is defined as the following:
Skill Sequence
Begin with body in water facing pool wall
Place both hands on pool deck
Raise torso above deck surface
Bend one knee and place leg between hands on pool deck
Lean forward to bring other leg up onto pool deck
Stand up on deck
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:
✖ Needs instructor assistance
2
Performs all of the following:
✔ Exits without instructor assistance
Exhibits any of the following:
✖ Needs pool features other than the pool bottom, such as: a ladder, steps, or a zero-depth/beach entry
3
Performs all of the following:
✔ Exits without instructor assistance
✔ Places both hands on the deck and raises torso above the water surface
Exhibits any of the following:
✖ Does not raise torso above the deck surface
✖ Pushes off the pool bottom
✖ Lays or rolls onto the deck
4
Performs all of the following:
✔ Exits without instructor assistance and without pushing off the pool bottom
✔ Places both hands on the deck and raises torso and hips above the deck surface
✔ Bends knees to bring one leg up at a time onto the pool deck
✔ Stands up and moves away from pool edge