Survival Float on Front (SFF)
INTRODUCTIONFloating is the act of remaining at or near the surface of aquatic environments, without actively moving in any direction, and the Survival Float on Front is a method of floating in a prone position. It is characterized by a relaxed body posture while face down in the water, and a regular breathing pattern achieved through actions of the limbs which lift the head above the surface. Becoming proficient with the Survival Float on Front develops Stationary Surface Competency, Breath Control Competency, and Risk Competency.
Floating skills in general are considered to be the most effective methods of conserving energy. Floating on the front, when compared with 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 Survival Float on Front skill in particular, compared to other float skills, puts emphasis on a relaxed body position and the use of the limbs to breathe regularly in order to prepare individuals to conserve energy and maintain a float position for long durations, especially in rough conditions and emergency situations.
When first learning to float on the front, individuals should focus on relaxing and learning to control buoyancy while laying with the face submerged. As individuals become more comfortable, the focus of the Survival Float on Front skill shifts to enabling individuals to sustain themselves for long periods of time by emphasizing the breathing cycle and the coordinated actions of the limbs to lift the head. A more relaxed body posture should also be emphasized, including allowing the legs to hang and occasionally kick as well as allowing the arms to scull slightly. This will help conserve energy while maintaining a position close enough to the surface to breathe. Additionally, as individuals become more proficient with Survival Float on Front, they should be able to identify when to use specific float skills and explain how to conserve energy in aquatic environments.
The Survival Float on Front skill is defined as the following:
Body
Body positioned on front
Upper back at or just under surface
Body relaxed and stationary
Face below surface with back of head above surface
Arms
Arms extended out or overhead at or near surface
Arms relaxed and still except during breathing cycle; may scull or fin slightly to help maintain buoyancy
Legs
Legs hang below surface
Legs relaxed and still except during breathing cycle; may kick slightly to help maintain buoyancy
Breathing Cycle
Begin in relaxed floating position with face below surface
Scull or sweep arms inward and downward to lift head above surface
Scissor kick or breaststroke kick to keep head above surface and breathe
Lower face below surface and return to relaxed floating position
Timing
One breathing cycle every 5 to 10 seconds
Knowledge Objective
Recommended Teaching Guidelines
Assessment Prompt
What are some reasons you would choose to float on your back or float on your front?
Acceptable Responses
Note: Students must answer for both back and front to receive a + for this assessment.
Float on back:
If you want to rest
When you want to breathe easily in calm water
To call for help
If your out in the water a long time and want to save energy
Float on Front:
When you need to be able to look around
If you want to see what is under you
To relax in water that's not calm
If the water is wavy or is splashing you
Scoring
The Survival Float on Front skill is assessed by measuring float time.
The following scoring rules specify when to halt the assessment. A single measurement is recorded based on the instructor’s judgment of the student’s performance.
Record time treading until student exhibits any of the following:
✖ Requires assistance or becomes unsafe
✖ Moves body into a side or back position
✖ Has excessive lateral or directional movement
✖ Has face mostly above the surface
✖ Move arms and/or legs excessively to maintain surface position
✖ Uses the pool bottom to maintain surface position
✖ Holds on to a stationary object or flotation aid
✖ Touches the pool wall or another student repeatedly
✖ Does not use either arm or leg actions to lift and hold head up to breathe
✖ Does not breathe at a rate of once every 5 to 10 seconds
✔ Reaches the maximum time of 30 seconds