Spotlight on Water-based Activities

Swimming is an important lifetime skill. Not only will you be having fun being active you could be learning to save your life, and maybe someone else's too.

Choose a water-related activity from the alternative environment list. This can be swimming in or out of a lesson situation, like snorkeling, diving or canoeing. When you swim get someone to observe you, and never swim alone.

Self-challenge Activities

Decide with your teacher which of these activities to complete:

• Can you float on your back or front?
• Can you perform a handstand in the water? Is it easier in or out of the water?
• Using flutter boards to support your arms, try moving through the water by kicking for as long as you can. Record your time. In your next session, try to improve your performance by 10%.

Take part in aquatic aerobics with various types of movements like karate kicks or 'the grapevine walk.' Discuss how to modify movements to be inclusive of all participants regardless of body type or disability. Invent a game using at least one object (ball, pool noodle, floating mat). Try to have at least one other person involved. Game must be able to be played for at least 10 minutes of a 30-minute activity session. Identify a challenge that should be overcome as part of the strategy of the game.

Putting the Tech into Technique
The best way to learn how to swim is to take lessons from a qualified instructor. But even if you practice at a local lake -with a qualified swim buddy - try to remember to practice the following points.

When you're moving through the water, get someone to observe you for the following actions:

• Are your leg movements initiated from the thighs?
• Are legs relatively straight?
• Make sure that your heels just break the surface of the water.
• Do you have a strong downward push against the water?

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activities | health benefits | cooperation | do it daily for life