water safety lesson plan - rwbfire.org

Water Safety Lesson Plan – Kindergarten

Go over our basic rules with the kids:

No talking while others are talking

Raise your hand if you have a question

Save stories until the end

If we have to speak to you more than two times, you may be asked to leave the circle

and not participate.

Objectives: Students will learn water safety rules for making a good choice when they are

near water: a bath tub, pool, river, ocean, etc.

Students will learn that lifeguards are not always near water.

Students will learn about adults who can help them when they are near water,

including lifeguards.

Materials Needed: Josh the Baby Otter Book & CD

Parent Information

PFD’s

Ice Bucket

Activities:

Book and Discussion:

Read “Josh the Baby Otter” to the students.

Optional: Sing “Learn to Float” song (Track 3)

Optional: Josh the Otter Water Safety Pledge.

Optional: Read “Stewie the Duck: to the students to transition into the PFD Grab activity.

PFD Grab:

Explain what a PFD is.

Why do you need it?

When should you wear it?

How do you put it on?

How do you know if it fits?

Have the students grab a PFD at random and try it on. Does it fit? Why or why not? Why

is it important that it fit properly?

Water Safety Lesson Plan – Kindergarten

HELP/ HUDDLE:

Demonstrate the HELP and HUDDLE positions

Discuss why you would use them and when

Have students practice each position

Ice Bucket:

Discuss the dangers of ice

Have the students put their hands in the ice to get a feel for the cold water

Talk about how to stay safe in and around ice.

Water Safety Tips to Cover: Always stay away from water unless you are with an adult.

Play it safe in the water. This means staying out of any body of water-the ocean, lakes,

ponds, rivers, pools, hot tubs and spas-if no grown-up or lifeguard is present.

Learn to float first, then you can become a really good swimmer.

If you get too tired, or the waters are too rough, you can roll on your back and rest.

NEVER EVER float or swim by yourself!

Even if you’re a good swimmer, make sure an adult is close by.

ALWAYS swim with buddy!

Wear a personal flotation device (PFD) when in or around water

When on a boat, everyone needs a seat. If there is no seat for you, don’t go.

Everyone on the boat needs his or her own personal flotation device (PFD). Make sure

your PFD is U.S. Coast Guard-approved.

A PFD will help you float, hold your head and body higher in the water for better

visibility, and help keep your body warm. Kids under 18 need to have their PFD on while

in a boat at all times.

Be safe on ice.

There is no sure answer to when ice is safe. Before you head onto ice, check with local

authorities. Be supervised by an adult when skating or playing on ice. Ice seldom

freezes at a uniform rate. It can be a foot thick in one spot while only an inch thick just

10 feet away.

Water Safety Lesson Plan – 1st Grade

Objectives: Students will learn to never swim or float by themselves.


including lifeguards.

Students will learn that lifeguards are not always near water.

Students will learn to always wear a PFD when in or near the water.

Materials: Rescue equipment

String

Box of objects (to reach with and some that won’t work)

PFD’s

Parent information

Activities:

PFD Grab:


Why do you need it?






Noodle Reach:

Make a “pool” or body of water out of string. I student goes in the middle and pretends

to struggle in the water. Other students “Reach or Throw, Don’t Go” using items found

in the box.

Which items worked?

Which items didn’t work?

Why?

How to Call for Help:

What number do you call?

When do you call?

Water Safety Lesson Plan – 1st Grade

Water Safety Tips to Cover: Always stay away from the water unless you are with an adult.



Always wear a flotation device (PFD) when you are near the water.

The good thing about flotation devices, is that they can make it easier for you to learn

how to swim (like Styrofoam inserts in bathing suits or Little Swimmers on your arms).

They are not the same as a PFD (life jacket). A PFD will help you float, hold your head

and body higher in the water for better visibility, and help keep your body warm.

When on a boat, everyone needs a seat - if there is no seat for you, don’t go. Everyone

on the boat needs his or her own PFD. Kids under 18 need to have their PFD on while in

a boat at all times.

Learn to float first, then you can become a really good swimmer.

If you get too tired, or the waters are too rough, you can roll on your back and rest.




Water Safety Lesson Plan – 3rd Grade

Objectives: Students will learn water safety rules for making a good choice when they are

near water: a bath tub, pool, river, ocean, etc.

Students will learn that life guards are not always near water.


including life guards.

Materials Needed: Rescue Equipment (e.g. PFD & Tube)

“Heads Up” App

Parent Information

Activities:

PFD Grab:


Why do you need it?






Handprint Pledge:

Students will trace their hands on a piece of paper.

Have them write the water safety pledge inside the handprint.

They can decorate as desired.

Heads Up- Water Activities Edition:

One kid holds the cell phone with the “Heads Up” game.

The other students act out the water activity.

When they get a correct answer they turn the phone down and go to the next

water activity until time runs out.

See how many they got correct and let another student have a turn until it is time

to wrap up.

Water Safety Lesson Plan – 3rd Grade

Water Safety Tips to Cover: Always swim with a grown-up:


ponds, rivers, pools, hot tubs and spas if there is no grown-up or lifeguard present.

Wear a personal flotation device (PFD):

When you go boating with your family and friends, practicing good water safety habits

is just as important as when you go swimming.

When on a boat, everyone needs a seat. If there is no seat for you, don’t go. In

addition, everyone on the boat needs his or her own personal flotation device. Make

sure your PFD has a U.S. Coast Guard-approved seal. Air-filled swimming aids are not

substitutes for PFDs.

Learn and practice the water safety rules:

Swimming is a lot of fun and great exercise. If you plan to go swimming, you should

take lessons. Even if you have taken lessons, you are not “water safe”. You still need to

follow water safety rules.

Follow the posted rules, such as “No Diving”, “Don’t Swim Here”, “No Running or

Jumping”. Don’t mess around. Running, pushing or shoving people can cause serious

injuries to you or your friends.

Get out of the water if you hear thunder or see lightning.

Stop, look and test before entering lakes and pools.

When you go swimming in a new place, always check with a lifeguard or adult before

going in the water to make sure it is safe. Have a grown-up check to see how deep the

water is. Make sure you dive only in areas approved for diving.

Be safe on ice.

There is no sure answer to when ice is safe. Before you head onto ice, check with local

authorities. Be supervised by an adult when skating or playing on ice. Ice seldom

freezes at a uniform rate. It can be a foot thick in one spot while only an inch thick just

10 feet away.

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RED, WHITE & BLUE

FIRE PROTECTION DISTRICT

COURAGE, COMMITMENT, CARING

Lesson Plan-Water Safety

First Grade

School:

Teacher: # Students:

Day/Date: Shift

Time:

**Please give handouts to the teacher to send home with the students**

For this subject, please go over our basic rules with the kids

no talking while others are talking

raise your hand if you have a question

save stories until the end

If we have to speak to you more than two times, you may be asked to leave the circle and

not participate.

Materials:

Stewie the Duck Learns to Swim Book & CD

Stewie and Maggie Ducks

Rescue equipment

Parent information

Objectives:

Students will learn to never swim or float by themselves.


including life guards.

Students will learn that life guards are not always near water.

Students will learn to always wear a PFD when in or near the water.

Instructions:

1. Please read “Stewie the Duck Learns to Swim” to the students, and sing the

“Water Safety” song (Track 1 is the story, Tracks 2-5 are the water safety song).

2. Review water safety basics (you can do this before or after you read the book).

3. Stories and questions at the end.

*****You can bring in PFD/water rescue apparel to show to the kids

what they would wear and what you do to rescue them.

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Always stay away from the water unless you are with an adult. Play it safe in the water. This means staying out of any body of water-the ocean, lakes,


Always wear a flotation device (PFD) when you are near the water. The good thing about flotation devices, is that they can make it easier for you to learn

how to swim (like Styrofoam inserts in bathing suits or Little Swimmers on your arms).

They are not the same as a PFD (life jacket). A PFD will help you float, hold your head

and body higher in the water for better visibility, and help keep your body warm.

When on a boat, everyone needs a seat - if there is no seat for you, don’t go. Everyone

on the boat needs his or her own PFD. Kids under 18 need to have their PFD on while in

a boat at all times.

Learn to float first, then you can become a really good swimmer. If you get too tired, or the waters are too rough, you can roll on your back and rest.




I promise to be

A good son or

Daughter,

This will keep

Me safe like

Josh, the baby otter.

I promise to

Get an adult

When I go near

The water,

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Josh

The Baby Otter

Talking Points

I can relate to this book because…

I can only swim when an adult is present.

I learned to float before I learned to swim.

I had adults and friends who helped me learn to float.

It took practice to learn to swim.

I always swim with a buddy.

I have to take breaks like going home for dinner. Sometimes my friends join me.

I know how…

Austin felt when he was a little scared, but Clare said it would be ok because she was

right there with them.

This story reminds me of …

It is important to try new things…

Floating is the first thing you should learn if you want to be in the water.

Always stay away from water unless you are with an adult.

Learn to float first, then you can become a really good swimmer

If you get too tired, or the waters are too rough, you can roll on your back and rest




Doing what you Otter with

Water Safety Tips…

GENERAL WATER SAFETY RULES

Teach your children water safety and to always stay away from water

unless they are with an adult.

Don’t rely on flotation devices as a substitution for supervision.

Assign a water watcher to monitor children during social gatherings.

Never leave children unattended, even for a moment, around water.

Keep a phone near the pool when in use. Call 911 in case of an emergency.

IF YOU HAVE A POOL:

Keep toys away from pool area that might attract children.

Always have life-saving equipment readily available around pools.

Make sure all gates are closed and locked when pool is not in use.

Post CPR instructions and assure adults and child care givers know how

to administrate it.

Stress that the last person to leave the pool area closes the gates, doors,

and covers the pool before leaving the area.

Keep pool covered when not in use.

Haciendo lo que debemos de

hacer con consehos sobre

seguridad del agua…

Enséñele a sus niños acerca de la seguridad del agua y de siempre

mantenerse lejos del agua a menos que ellos estén con un adulto.

No te confíes en dispositivos de flotación como substitutos de supervisión.

Asigna a un observador del agua para monitorear a niños durante

reunions sociales.

Nunca deje a niños sin vigilancia, incluso si es por un momento,

cuando estén alrededor del agua.

Mantenga un teléfono o celular cerca de la piscine cuando esté

siendo usada. Llame al 911 en caso de una emergencia.

Mantén juguetes lejos del área de la alberca que puedan atraer a niños.

Siempre mantenga equipo de salvar vidas fácilmente disponibles

alrededor de albercas.

Asegúrese que todas las puertas, cercas, portones estén cerradas y bajo

llave cuando la piscina no esté siendo usada.

Ponga instrucciones de primeros auxilios y asegúrese que adultos y personas

cuidando de niños sepan cómo administrar los primeros auxilios.

Enfatice que la última persona en dejar el área de la piscina cierre las

puertas, cercas, o portones, y cubra la piscina antes de alejarse del área.

Mantenga la piscina cubierta cuando no esté siendo usada.

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Core Competency: Health, Safety, and Nutrition

Name of Activity: “Josh the Baby Otter” Book Presentation

The “Josh the Baby Otter” book presentation was developed by the Joshua Collingsworth Memorial Foundation a 501(c)3 organization. Parents Blake and Kathy Collingsworth honor the memory of their two-year-old son Joshua, who died on June 4, 2008 after falling into the family pool three days earlier. They believed they had every safety precaution in place, but the reality is that a drowning can occur in mere moments. After losing Joshua, they felt compelled to help reduce the dramatic numbers of deaths by drowning that occur in our country and around the world. The Joshua Collingsworth Memorial Foundation was created in July of 2008 to serve as a catalyst to strengthen water safety awareness and create an early childhood educational program. Their goal is to empower children to be safe in and around ALL bodies of water to prevent similar tragedies. The Josh the Otter Water Safety and Awareness Project is dedicated to teaching young children about water safety through the use of Josh the Baby Otter a book written by Blake, which was recently translated into Spanish. Nearly 40,000 books have been distributed. The program has been presented in classrooms, community centers, zoos, pools, and childcare facilities around the world. Please view their YouTube video on the homepage of www.joshtheotter.org.

Enclosed is program/presentation guide designed to assist educators in demonstrating the importance of water safety.

Objectives of Activity: To educate young children with the knowledge of water safety through three main objectives:

1. To never go near water without an adult.

2. To first learn to float and/or swim before going in water.

3. To always swim with a buddy.

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Materials Needed:

• “Josh the Baby Otter” Book • Audio CD included in the back of the book (has PowerPoint on CD, too!) • CD Player (or Computer Projector & Screen if using PowerPoint)

Optional Items:

• Josh the Otter Mascot Suit or Josh the Otter Stuffed Animal • Large “Josh the Baby Otter” Book • Additional Materials for each child: “Josh the Baby Otter” books, coloring

sheets, and stickers

Time Length of Activity: 20-‐25 Minutes

Outline of Activity:

The “Josh the Baby Otter” book presentation is a fun and interactive classroom activity for young children. The recommended classroom levels for this presentation ranges from pre-kindergarten to the second grade level. However, the educator has the freedom to use their personal judgment in offering the classes to children beyond the set recommendations.

The presentation if divided into seven parts, as you will read in detail below. This project layout is to not limit the creativity of the educator but to provide guidance for the overall layout of the activity. Educators are encouraged to personalize the presentation and add additional water safety activities to the

presentation if they desire.

This activity can be held within the classroom with a single class or in an assembly format with many classrooms in attendance. Have the children sit on the floor with ample area for the song and dance portion of the activity. On the next page you will find the seven recommended steps for the activity with detailed information to guide you through the activity.

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1. Introduction of the “Josh the Baby Otter” book and the concept of water safety.

• Introduce the book to the classroom by asking for a volunteer to read the title (if working with younger ages, point to the words on the cover as you read the title).

• Before beginning activity Set the Ground Rules: o Be polite and listen to the educator and classmates. o If you want to speak raise your hand to be called upon.

• Inform the children of the process of the activity: o First will be the reading of the “Josh the Baby Otter” book. o Classroom will take short oral quiz about what they learned in

the book. (Tip: If mascot is involved, you can let them know if they listen very well and do great of the quiz, you have surprise guest.)

o They will get up and dance to the “Learn to Float” song and conclude with some fun activities.

• Explain that the purpose of the book is to teach the class about water safety.

o Ask the children, “What IS water safety?” o Once children have given answers, help the children with

anything they may have missed.

o Introduce the three water safety lessons of the book:

Always be with an Adult when in or around water.

Always swim with a buddy.

Learn to Float!

2. Reading of “Josh the Baby Otter” book by the audio CD, PowerPoint, or the actual book and voice.

• If using the CD, Play Track 1.

• Tip: Have the children raise their hands if they see any additional animals on the pages to keep them paying attention. (i.e. fish, moose, crab)

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3. Short oral quiz over the three main objectives.

• “Who should you be with when you are near or in the water?” (A: An Adult)

• “Is it more fun to swim with a buddy?” (A: Yes!) “Why is it important to always have a buddy with you when you are in the water?” (A: To help keep each other safe in the water. To have two sets of eyes watching you to make sure you are safe.)

• “What should you FIRST learn to do before going in the water?” (A: Learn to Float!)

4. (Optional) Introduction of Josh the Otter mascot.

• Have the children clap for themselves on their great job of listening to the story and answering the questions.

• Let them know that they have earned the opportunity to meet the surprise guest. Ask, “Who do you think it could be?” If they don’t know, point to Josh’s face on the book cover.

• The volunteer that is Josh should be hiding outside of the classroom in full costume and the educator will go and get Josh the Otter to present to the class.

• Tip: For some children, they may be scared of the mascot. It helps to tell the children, “Josh is a little scared, can you

help him by welcoming him with a loud, ‘HI JOSH!’?”

• Hold Josh’s hand and walk him slowly into the classroom waving to the children. (Note: Mascot does not talk.)

5. Sing-a-long to the “Learn to Float” song. (Mascot Optional)

• Have the children stand up to sing and dance.

• Push Play Track 2 in CD.

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• If using the mascot, have Josh the Otter dance with the children and you can ask the children to copy Josh’s moves to get them involved.

• After the conclusion of the song, encourage the children to clap for themselves (and Josh) for their great job dancing.

6. Recitation of the “Josh the Otter Water Safety Pledge.” (Mascot Optional)

• Turn to the page in the book with the “Josh the Otter Water Safety Pledge.”

• Ask the children to put up their right hands to recite the pledge to Josh. (Tip: Tell them this makes Josh the Otter very happy!)

• Have the educator do a slow call and response of the pledge so the children can clearly respond to each piece of the pledge.

• Encourage once again that the children clap for themselves and have Josh the Otter clap as well.

7. Conclusion of “Hugs and High Fives” with Josh the Otter. (Optional)

• If you are using the mascot, have the children who would like to give Josh a final hug or high five to form a long line.

• If additional materials are going to be distributed to each child, have them come over to get the materials after they visit Josh. (Tip: The volunteer in the mascot suit will be getting warm and will need to get out of the costume as quickly as possible at the conclusion of the hugs and high fives.)

• Have Josh and the children wave good-‐bye to each other and have them thank Josh for coming. (Tip: Say that Josh the Otter has to go back to the water to cool down. It helps the children with his need to leave.)

As mentioned above, the following outline of the activity is provided to help the educator. The outline can be slightly modified or expanded by the educator if they desire.

By: Laura Thomas, Projects Manager, Joshua Collingsworth Memorial Foundation Please feel to contact her at: 402.297.4126 or [email protected]

RED, WHITE & BLUE

FIRE PROTECTION DISTRICT

COURAGE, COMMITMENT, CARING

Dear Parents:

Aquatics professionals from the Breckenridge Recreation Center visited your child’s classroom

to teach them about water safety. Success in learning these ideas includes continuing the

educational piece at home. Please ask your child what they learned in class.

Swimming and other water-related activities are excellent ways to get the physical activity and

health benefits needed for a healthy life. However, they are not risk-free. Did you know that

drowning is the third leading cause of death from unintentional injury worldwide? Nearly 3,800

drownings occur in the United States each year, an average of 10 deaths per day (CDC, 2010).

And, 58% of parents do not consider drowning a threat to their children (Safe Kids Coalition).

Parents, please educate yourselves and your children to protect them from this danger.

In order to reduce the risk of drowning, parents and caregivers can do their part by following

these safety tips:

LOCK – stop your child from getting to water.

LOOK – Keep your eyes on your children at all times. Never leave your child

unattended around water.

LEARN – Learn swimming and safety skills.

TEACH YOUR CHILD TO:

o Only go swimming with a grown-up who is watching you.

o Only go in the bathtub when a grown-up is there.

o Do not play with water in buckets or toilets.

o Stay away from pool and spa drains, grates, and filters.

o Always ask a grown-up to watch you before playing in any kind of water.

The water is a wonderful place for fun and exercise, but safety must be a priority. Parents, know

what to do in an emergency. Learning CPR and basic water rescue skills may help you save a

life. The Breckenridge Recreation Center is a great local resource for swim lessons and general

water safety.

If you have any questions please don’t hesitate to contact me! I can be reached at

[email protected] or at (970) 453-2474.

Sincerely,

RED, WHITE & BLUE FIRE PROTECTION DISTRICT

Jackie D. Pike

Deputy Fire Marshal Source: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 800-CDC-INFO (800-232-4636) and National Safe Kids

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