Jungle Swim Fun Lesson

by Andrew Ingham, FLS Europe

This lesson is designed for fun and building water confidence, rather than traditional swimming instruction. It builds on the Dutch C-Diploma and prepares for outdoor adventures in rain forests, wetlands, rivers and lakes.

Target Audience:

Children or individuals comfortable with water activities who want to enhance their swimming skills while having a fun and unique experience.

Objective:

To teach participants how to prepare for a jungle wetland adventure, promoting water confidence and swimming in various clothes and rainwear, while having an enjoyable aquatic experience. Enhance teamwork, coordination, and creativity through water-based activities.

Materials Needed:

We're simulating a rain forest trek, so the gear should be lightweight and comfortable.

1. Pullovers and long pants for each participant
2. Rain clothes (anoraks, ponchos, hiking capes) for each participant
3. Rain boots or sports shoes (optional)

4. Swimming pool or a safe water body with a lifeguard on duty
5. Whistle for the instructor or lifeguard
6. Water toys (e.g., beach ball, pool noodles, inflatable toys)

7. Music player and upbeat, tropical music
8. Towels for drying off after the lesson
9. Dry clothes for the way home

Ensure that the water activities are age-appropriate and safe for all participants. Always have a qualified lifeguard on duty during the lesson to ensure safety in and around the water.

Dry Briefing

Introduction (10 minutes)

1. Welcome the participants and introduce the "Jungle Swim Lesson."
2. Explain the objectives of the lesson: to learn how to swim in clothes and various rainwear like on a jungle trek, and have a fun and unique water experience.

Getting Ready (20 minutes)

1. Distribute pullovers and long pants to any participants who didn't bring their own.
2. Instruct them to wear these clothes over their swimwear all the time.
3. Distribute various rain clothes (ponchos, hiking capes, or anoraks) to participants, and encourage them to choose one to wear over their other clothes. See how it fits.
4. Then try on the other rain clothes one at a time or in layers.
5. Ensure that all participants wear their clothing comfortably and securely.

Safety Talk (10 minutes)

1. Discuss the importance of safety in and around the water.
2. Emphasize the need for constant supervision by the lifeguard and the importance of following their instructions.
3. Explain how wearing additional layers can affect buoyancy and swimming abilities and discuss strategies for staying safe.
4. Show how to secure a poncho or hiking cape so it doesn't go over the head.

Pool Practice

These exercises help participants become more comfortable and confident in swimming while wearing clothes and rainwear, preparing them for various water scenarios and enhancing their swimming skills.

Warm-Up without Rainwear

1. Conduct a brief warm-up exercise on poolside or in shallow water to prepare participants for swimming.
2. Perform simple stretches and jumping jacks to get their bodies ready for activity.
3. If possible, move your group with each exercise into the deeper water so their clothes get wet slowly. This mimics wetland exploration.
4. Do sit-ups and push-up where the head goes under water.
5. Allow participants to enter the water wearing their pullovers and long trousers.
6. Encourage them to experience the sensation of swimming with this additional clothing.
7. Practice floating, kicking, and simple strokes to get comfortable with the added weight and drag.

Swimming in Layers

1. Participants enter the water wearing their pullovers and long pants.
2. Then add more clothing layers and the rainwear.
3. Ensure that participants are comfortable with the added layers.
4. Encourage them to experience swimming with these added layers and observe how it affects buoyancy and movement.
5. Practice floating, kicking, and basic strokes to adapt to the clothing.

Clothes and Rainwear Dive

1. Practice diving into the water while fully clothed and wearing rain gear.
2. Participants can experiment with different dive techniques and adapt to the added weight and buoyancy.

Back Float

1. Participants practice floating on their backs while fully clothed and in rain gear.
2. Encourage relaxation and balance while floating.

Treading Water

1. Participants compete to see who can tread water for the longest time while wearing clothes and rainwear.
2. Add variations like lifting one leg or using only arm movements to increase the challenge.

Swimming Styles

1. Encourage participants to swim in various styles, such as the butterfly stroke or the doggy paddle.
2. This exercise promotes creativity and adaptability in different swimming styles while wearing their rain clothes.

Obstacle Course

1. Create an obstacle course in the pool using pool noodles, floating hoops, and other items.
2. Set up an underwater obstacle course with hula hoops or pool noodles.
3. Participants swim through the obstacles while wearing clothes and rainwear, testing their agility and navigation skills.
4. Time each participant to see who completes the course fastest.

Clothes Removal Experience

1. Practice removing all clothes and rainwear while treading water.
2. Then put them all back on carefully. Must fit correctly.
3. This skill can be valuable in a real-life rescue situation.

Deep-Water Clothing Swim

1. Participants swim to the deep end of the pool while wearing their clothes and rainwear, then tread water for a while and then swim back to the shallow end.
2. This exercise builds confidence in deep-water swimming.

Cool-Down and Conversation

1. Gather participants for a quick cool-down exercise on the pool deck or in shallow the water.
2. Ask participants about their experiences swimming in multiple layers and rain clothes, and how it was different from regular swimming.
3. Encourage them to share their thoughts, any challenges they faced, and their favorite part of the lesson.

Conclusion

1. Summarize the key points of the lesson, emphasizing the importance of water safety and trying new and unique aquatic experiences.
2. Thank the participants for their participation and enthusiasm.
3. Remind them to return the clothing and provide any additional instructions.