السباحة والكفاءة في الماء
Physical Education · Key Stage 2 · The School
What is expected
By the end of Key Stage 2 pupils should swim competently over at least 25 METRES, use a range of strokes effectively, and perform SAFE SELF-RESCUE in different water-based situations. That third one is the part most people forget and the one most likely to matter.
The strokes
FRONT CRAWL is fastest. BREASTSTROKE is steadiest and easiest to breathe in. BACKSTROKE keeps the face clear of the water, which makes it the easiest to keep going in for a long time. Knowing which to use when is more useful than being fast at one.
Self-rescue
If you fall in unexpectedly: FLOAT first. Lean back, spread your arms and legs, let your head rest in the water, and wait for the cold-water gasp to pass — around 60 to 90 seconds. Only then swim to safety or call for help. Fighting the water in the first minute is what exhausts people.
By the end of primary school a pupil should be able to (1) swim competently and confidently over at least 25 metres, (2) use a range of strokes effectively — front crawl, backstroke and breaststroke, and (3) perform safe self-rescue in different water-based situations. Note that the third is not a swimming test at all: it is floating, treading water, and knowing what to do fully clothed in cold water.