Describe the preliminary sessions you would use to familiarize learners with water before introducing them to aquatic swimming.

Before introducing learners to aquatic swimming, it is important to familiarize them with water and build their confidence in the water. Here are some preliminary sessions that can help achieve this:

1. Water safety: Start by discussing the importance of water safety and the rules that need to be followed when in or around water. Teach learners about the dangers of water and how to stay safe while swimming.

2. Water acclimatization: Begin by having learners sit on the edge of the pool with their feet in the water. Encourage them to splash around and get used to the feeling of the water on their skin. Gradually progress to having them wade in the shallow end of the pool.

3. Blowing bubbles: Teach learners how to blow bubbles in the water by exhaling through their mouth and nose. This will help them get used to having their face in the water and build their confidence.

4. Floating: Show learners how to float on their back and stomach in the water. Start by supporting them as they practice floating and gradually encourage them to do it on their own. Floating is an important skill that can help build confidence in the water.

5. Kicking and paddling: Introduce learners to basic kicking and paddling movements in the water. Have them practice kicking their legs and moving their arms in a paddling motion to propel themselves through the water.

6. Water games: Incorporate fun water games and activities into the sessions to make learning more enjoyable. Games like water tag, relay races, and diving for objects can help learners become more comfortable in the water.

By incorporating these preliminary sessions, learners can become more familiar with water and build their confidence before being introduced to aquatic swimming. It is important to go at the pace of the learners and provide plenty of encouragement and support throughout the process.

Preliminary Sessions to Familiarize Learners with Water

Session 1: Water Exploration

- Objective: To introduce learners to the properties of water and foster water confidence.
- Activities:
- Water play in shallow water (e.g., splashing, floating toys)
- Exploring different textures and temperatures of water (e.g., sponges, towels)
- Discussing water safety rules

Session 2: Water Immersion

- Objective: To accustom learners to being immersed in water and develop basic comfort levels.
- Activities:
- Getting in and out of the water progressivement
- Walking and running in shallow water
- Submerging heads underwater for short periods
- Blowing bubbles underwater

Session 3: Basic Floating

- Objective: To introduce the concept of buoyancy and help learners develop stability in the water.
- Activities:
- Practicing floating on the surface with support (e.g., pool noodles, vests)
- Holding onto the side of the pool and leaning back
- Trying to float without support for short periods

Session 4: Aquatic Breathing

- Objective: To prepare learners for breathing in the water and reduce fear.
- Activities:
- Blowing bubbles into the water
- Practicing exhaling underwater (e.g., blowing through a straw)
- Taking breaths while submerged (with support)

Session 5: Water Propulsion

- Objective: To introduce basic movements for propulsion in the water.
- Activities:
- Kicking with feet while holding onto the pool edge
- Pushing against the side of the pool with hands
- Moving forward in shallow water with assistance

By the end of these preliminary sessions, learners should have a basic understanding of water properties, feel comfortable in the water, and have started to develop the skills necessary for swimming.