MOE Swimsafer Program Lesson #5

Today marked John’s fifth MOE SwimSafer class, a critical session that focused on recapping and revising the essential skills and knowledge acquired in previous weeks. The atmosphere at the swimming pool was lively, and the weather was favorable for learning, with a warm temperature of 27 degrees Celsius and a pleasant breeze that added to the comfort of the participants. It was also a windy day. The serene environment set the stage for an engaging and productive class.
Warm-up and Icebreaker Session
The session began with a dynamic warm-up routine designed to prepare the young swimmers physically and mentally. The coach, a seasoned and energetic instructor, led the group through stretching exercises, gentle jogging, and arm rotations to loosen up their muscles. As the wind carried the laughter and excitement of the children, the coach encouraged them to share their favorite moments from the previous classes, creating an atmosphere of camaraderie and enthusiasm.
Recap of Previous Activities
The primary objective of today’s class was to ensure that the students had a thorough understanding of the fundamental swimming skills and safety concepts taught in previous sessions. The coach meticulously reviewed each key aspect, starting with water confidence exercises.
- Water Confidence and Buoyancy: The coach emphasized the importance of being comfortable in the water, a crucial foundation for swimming. He guided the children through exercises such as blowing bubbles, submerging their faces, and practicing star floats. John, who initially struggled with putting his face in the water, demonstrated significant improvement and was praised for his progress.
- Breathing Techniques: Proper breathing techniques are essential for efficient swimming. The coach revisited rhythmic breathing exercises, reminding the students to exhale underwater and inhale quickly when their heads turned to the side. The group practiced this skill repeatedly, and the coach provided individual feedback to ensure that everyone grasped the technique.
- Kicking Drills: Effective kicking is a fundamental aspect of swimming. The coach had the students practice flutter kicks while holding onto the pool wall. He emphasized the importance of keeping their legs straight and pointed their toes. To add an element of fun, the coach organized a friendly kicking race, which boosted the children’s motivation and enthusiasm.
Revising Swim Strokes
After the warm-up and recap of foundational skills, the coach transitioned to revising the swim strokes taught in previous classes. The focus was on freestyle and backstroke, two essential strokes for the SwimSafer program.
- Freestyle: The coach demonstrated the correct arm movements and body positioning for freestyle. He reminded the students to maintain a streamlined body position and coordinate their arm movements with their breathing. John, who had shown great determination in previous classes, confidently swam a few laps of 25m with support with noticeable improvements in his technique.
- Backstroke: The coach highlighted the importance of keeping the head steady and looking at the ceiling while performing backstroke. He provided tips on maintaining a straight body alignment and demonstrated the proper arm movements. The students practiced in pairs, and the coach offered constructive feedback to help them refine their strokes.
Safety and Survival Skills Revision
A crucial component of the SwimSafer program is teaching water safety and survival skills. The coach took this opportunity to reinforce these essential concepts.
- Floating Techniques: The students practiced various floating techniques, including the star float and survival back float. The coach emphasized the importance of remaining calm and conserving energy in a survival situation.
- Treading Water: Treading water is a vital survival skill. The coach demonstrated the eggbeater kick and arm movements required to stay afloat. The children practiced this skill in the deeper section of the pool, and John showed remarkable resilience, staying afloat for an impressive duration.
- Safe Entry and Exit Techniques: The coach reviewed safe entry and exit techniques, such as the slide-in entry and using the pool ladder. He reminded the students to always assess the water depth and check for potential hazards before entering the pool.
Interactive Quiz on Water Safety
To reinforce the importance of water safety, the coach conducted an interactive quiz. The questions covered topics such as identifying safe swimming areas, understanding pool rules, and recognizing the role of lifeguards. The students eagerly participated, and John confidently answered several questions, demonstrating his growing knowledge and awareness.
Fun and Engaging Activities
To wrap up the session, the coach organized a series of fun and engaging activities. These included relay races, synchronized swimming challenges, and team-building exercises. The children’s laughter echoed across the pool as they cheered each other on and celebrated their achievements. John’s team won the relay race, and he beamed with pride at his accomplishment.
Individual Feedback and Encouragement
Before concluding the class, the coach provided individual feedback to each student. He praised John for his dedication and significant improvements in both swimming technique and water confidence. The coach’s words of encouragement motivated John to continue striving for excellence.
Reflection and Takeaways
As the session came to an end, the coach gathered the students for a brief reflection. He asked them to share their key takeaways from the class. John expressed his newfound confidence in performing backstroke and his excitement about the upcoming lessons. The coach reminded the students of the importance of regular practice and maintaining a positive attitude.
Looking Ahead
With the fifth class successfully completed, John and his peers are well on their way to mastering the essential skills required for the SwimSafer certification. The coach outlined the objectives for the next class, which would focus on refining swim strokes and introducing new survival skills. The students left the pool with a sense of accomplishment and anticipation for the next session.
In conclusion, today’s MOE SwimSafer class was a testament to the power of structured learning, dedicated coaching, and the students’ determination. The warm and windy afternoon provided the perfect backdrop for a session filled with learning, laughter, and growth. John’s journey in the SwimSafer program continues to be a remarkable one, marked by progress, confidence, and a deepening love for swimming.
When will the test be held for MOE Swimsafer?
Usually at the final session of the MOE program.
What if my child fail the MOE Swimsafer Test?
There is a remedial program where your child can sign up. Or join our weekly class for their next upgrade or join our 6 days holidays swimsafer program in june and december.
How long will the test take?
Usually 45mins to an hour.