Lesson Notes By Weeks and Term v5 - Grade 4

Lesson Video

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Performance objectives

• Identify water hazards in your community.
• Demonstrate basic water safety rules.
• Know what to do in a water emergency.
• Tell the difference between safe and unsafe swimming areas.

Lesson summary

This week, we will be learning about safety in and around water. In South Africa, with our beautiful coastlines, rivers, dams, and swimming pools, knowing how to stay safe near water is incredibly important. Many accidents happen each year because people don't know the dangers or how to respond in an emergency. Learning these skills can help you protect yourself and others. Whether you're swimming, playing near a river, or even just fetching water, understanding water safety can save lives. It's not just about knowing how to swim; it's about understanding the risks and taking precautions.

Lesson notes

What are Water Hazards? Water hazards are any places where there is a risk of drowning or injury related to water. These can be natural or man-made.

Swimming Pools: Pools can be fun, but they can also be dangerous. Slippery surfaces around the pool, deep water, and not knowing how to swim are risks. Never run around a pool or push someone in. Always swim with a buddy. Learn where the deep and shallow ends are.

Example:* A child running around a pool slips and falls, hitting their head on the concrete. Because they’re alone, no one sees and the child is unable to call for help. This illustrates the danger of being unsupervised near a pool.

Dams and Rivers: Dams and rivers can have strong currents that are difficult to swim against. The water may be deeper than you think. There might be hidden rocks or debris under the surface that you can't see. Never swim in a river or dam alone. Always check for signs warning about strong currents or unsafe conditions.

Example:* Thabo and his friends go swimming in the river near their home. They don't realize how strong the current is. Thabo gets pulled downstream quickly, and his friends can't help him. This shows the importance of knowing the dangers of currents.

The Ocean: The ocean has waves, currents, and marine life that can be dangerous. Always swim at beaches with lifeguards. Pay attention to warning flags. Be aware of rip currents, which can pull you out to sea. Never turn your back on the ocean.

Example:* A tourist family visits Durban and goes swimming at the beach. They ignore the red flag warning about rough seas. The daughter gets caught in a rip current and needs to be rescued by a lifeguard. This illustrates the importance of respecting ocean warnings.

Buckets and Containers: Even small amounts of water in buckets, bathtubs, or containers can be a danger to young children. A baby can drown in just a few centimetres of water. Always empty buckets and containers after use. Never leave a young child unattended near water.

Example:* A toddler wanders into the bathroom and falls headfirst into a bucket of water left on the floor. The toddler doesn't have the strength to lift themselves out. This highlights the danger of even small amounts of water. Water Safety Rules Always Swim with a Buddy: Never swim alone. If something goes wrong, your buddy can help you or get help.

Learn to Swim: Swimming lessons can teach you important skills and build your confidence in the water.

Know Your Limits: Don't swim further than you're able to. If you start to feel tired, get out of the water.

Obey Warning Signs and Lifeguards: Pay attention to any signs or warnings posted near the water. Lifeguards are there to help you stay safe.

Enter the Water Feet First: Never dive into water unless you know how deep it is. Diving headfirst can cause serious injuries.

Never Run Around the Pool: Running around a pool can cause you to slip and fall. What to Do in a Water Emergency Call for Help: If you see someone struggling in the water, call for help immediately. Shout loudly to attract attention. Call 10177 for ambulance or your local emergency services number.

Example:* You see your friend struggling in the pool. You shout for help and then run to find an adult. You tell the adult what happened and where your friend is. Reach or Throw, Don't Go: If you can't swim well, don't go into the water to rescue someone. Instead, try to reach them with a stick, rope, or towel. Or, throw them something that floats, like a life jacket or a ball.

Example:* You see someone drowning. You find a long stick and carefully extend it towards them so they can grab on. You pull them towards the edge of the pool.

If You are Caught in a Rip Current: Stay calm and don't fight the current. Swim parallel to the shore until you are out of the current. Then, swim back to shore.

Example:* You are swimming in the ocean and suddenly feel like you are being pulled out to sea. You remember your lesson and start swimming sideways, parallel to the beach. Eventually, you feel the pull weaken, and you can swim back to shore.

Safe and Unsafe Swimming Areas Safe: Swimming pools with lifeguards, designated swimming areas at beaches with lifeguards and clear warning flags, swimming areas that have been checked for hazards.

Unsafe: Rivers with strong currents, dams without supervision, the ocean when there are red warning flags, areas where you cannot see the bottom, areas that are not designated for swimming. Guided Practice (With Solutions)

Question 1: Sipho wants to go swimming in the river with his friends. What should he do first to make sure it's safe?

Solution: Sipho should first check for any warning signs about strong currents or unsafe conditions. He should also make sure an adult knows where they are going and what time they'll be back. It would be safer to swim in a pool with a lifeguard if possible.

Commentary: This highlights the importance of pre-planning and awareness of surroundings.