Swimming · Water safety & survival

Signal for help and float to rest

Float on the back to rest, raise one arm and call for help, hold on to anything that floats, and help others by reaching or throwing, never by going in.

DeckS1S2S3S4CO
Start / 6
Time
12 min
Players
2–10
Age
U5+
Area
Shallow end, along the side
Equipment
noodleskickboardsthrow bag or rope (optional)

Setup

  1. Standing-depth water along the side of the pool, with a qualified teacher on deck watching every pair.
  2. Pairs: one learner in the water, the partner kneeling or lying on the deck beside them with a noodle and a kickboard.
  3. Talk it through first: if you fall in, don't panic; float, call and wave. If someone else is in trouble, shout for an adult and reach or throw something, but don't go in.

How it runs

  1. The learner in the water lies back into a star float to rest and get the breath back: ears in, tummy up, arms and legs wide.
  2. From the float, raise one arm straight up and wave it while calling out "Help!" loudly; the other hand keeps sculling.
  3. The partner lies flat or kneels low, holds the edge with one hand and reaches out the noodle; the learner grabs it and is drawn gently to the side.
  4. Second go: the partner throws a kickboard so it lands within reach, not at the head; the learner hugs it to the chest and kicks to the side.
  5. Swap roles. Finish with every learner floating on the back holding a float, resting and breathing slowly for 30 seconds.

Coaching points

  • Float first: lean back, spread out and get the breath back before trying to go anywhere.
  • One arm up and waving, a loud call; the other arm helps keep you floating.
  • Hold on to anything that floats and stay with it.
  • Helpers stay low and hold on to the edge so they can't be pulled in.
  • Reach or throw, never go in after someone; shout for a lifeguard or adult straight away.

Common mistakes

  • Waving both arms at once, which pushes the swimmer under.
  • The helper standing up at the edge and leaning over the water.
  • Trying to swim hard for the side straight away instead of resting first.
  • Throwing the float at the swimmer rather than to land beside them.

Say it: “Float, wave, shout; reach or throw, don't go.”

Make it harder

  • Move to water just out of standing depth beside the wall, with a helper in the water: float, signal and grab the noodle.
  • Where the pool allows, practise in light clothes over the swimming costume, so learners feel how clothes drag.

Make it easier

  • Keep a noodle under the arms for the whole rest float.
  • Practise the wave and the call standing in the shallow water first.

Reviewed by the Sportdify coaching team.