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WINTER 2024 VERSION --- MUST COMPLETE BEFORE JAN 5
Module 14 Introduction
Module 14 Introduction
Please watch the following introduction video:
Pool Layout & Use
Pool Layout & Use
If you have not been to our location, Oakville Swim Academy has one main pool:
Big Pool (BP)
No matter what pool you are teaching in, it is incredibly important to be aware of your surroundings as you teach. Please review the following video on how Oakville Swim Academy utilizes pool space to maximize Instruction, while still keeping everyone safe:
Layout Configurartions
Layout Configurartions
Here are some common configurations for pool-space layout:
Training System: Deck Supervisor Class Layout ResourceFormations
Formations
Although the term formation is frequently used amongst Instructors, Let's define it: According to Lifesaving Society, formations describe the way learners (swimmers) are positioned to facilitate learning, while assuring safety is maintained throughout.
When choosing formations, please consider the following:
Space
Swimmers need lots of space to practice and perform skills. Also, some skills require certain environments. For example, treading water must be done in a location where the swimmers can not touch the ground. Space directly influences what formation is used for an activity.
Practice Time
The more swimmers that can practice a skill at the same time, the better. However, permitting that students' safety is never in jeopardy.
Proximity
Every swimmer must have the ability to watch and listen to the Instructor's instructions.
Supervision
This is the most important factor. Instructors MUST be able to mitigate and react to a safety issue in their class. Having a class set up in a determined, organized fashion, grants Instructors to respond to situations more quickly.
Feedback
Some formations allow for the Instructor to provide feedback better than others.
There are many formations Oakville Swim Academy instructors can use. It is important to be flexible, as pool space and equipment availability often change on a nightly, sometimes even hourly basis. The most common formations are discussed in further detail below:
Water's Edge
Possible Uses:
Jumps
Demonstrations
Explanations for younger students who cannot touch the ground. When a student sits on the stairs, this formation is used
Strengths
SAFEST POSITION FOR SWIMMERS
All swimmers can see the Instructor extremely well
Limitations:
Swimmers might get cold
Time-consuming for swimmers to get in and out of the water
Line
Possible Uses:
Demonstrations
Explanations
Feedback
Reset positions to explain the next activity
Strengths
Swimmers can use goggles to watch a skill underwater (e.g., front crawl arms)
Safe position for swimmers, assuming they can touch in the shallow end
Limitations:
Some swimmers have a hard time watching when water is at eye level
Swimmers may be tempted to bob up and down in the water, not paying the fullest attention to activity/instructions
Wave
Possible Uses:
Practice foundational skills (e.g., rocketships) for short distances in the shallow end
Introducing skills (e.g., dolphin kick) for short distances in the shallow end
Strengths
Easier to supervise them because everyone is doing the same skill
Keeps class contained for a specific area
Good use of space
Good use of practice time as more swimmers can practice
Limitations:
Requires enough space to fit multiple swimmers
Difficult to provide specific feedback to swimmers since multiple are going at the same time
Semi-Circle
Possible Uses:
Demonstrations
Explanations
Feedback
Reset positions to explain the next activity
Treading water in the deep end
Strengths
If the Instructor is a part of the circle, everyone can see everyone!
Limitations:
Swimmers must be able to touch the bottom of the pool
Can take up a lot of space
Circle Swimming
Possible Uses:
Advanced classes that require multiple lengths of a stroke/skill
Strengths
Instructor can supervise swimmers easily
Effective when space is limited
Great for drills and stroke practice
Easy to pull a swimmer out of the circulation to provide feedback/correct an issue
Allows for many swimmers to practice at one time
Limitations:
Requires long distances of the pool
Swimmers might collide if they do not swim in a straight line
Circle swimming is not recommended for back crawl
Single File
Possible Uses:
Jumps and dives in the deep end
Strengths
Makes good use of small spaces
Keeps class organized and contained
Limitations:
Swimmers may get cold
Swimmers wait longer for their turn
Circle, Walk Back
Possible Uses:
Jumps and dives in the deep end
Strengths
Good for feedback
Easier to watch a student, provide feedback, and then ask for the next swimmer to go
Limitations:
Not continuously practising the skill
Swimmers may get cold
Swimmers wait longer for their turn
Can be time-consuming since Instructor has to wait for swimmers to transition in and out of the water
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