Lesson Notes By Weeks and Term v5 - Grade 6

Lesson Video

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Performance objectives

• Identify hazards around pools, beaches, rivers, and dams.
• Describe safety rules for each water source.
• Explain the importance of adult supervision.
• Know what to do in an emergency.
• Understand the dangers of swimming under the influence.

Lesson summary

This week's Life Skills lesson focuses on Safety in and around water. Living in South Africa, with its beautiful coastlines, rivers, dams, and swimming pools, makes understanding water safety incredibly important. Many unfortunate incidents occur each year due to a lack of knowledge and awareness. This lesson will equip you with the knowledge and skills to stay safe in and around water, preventing accidents and potentially saving lives. We'll look at precautions to take at swimming pools, beaches, rivers, and dams, as well as what to do in emergency situations. This knowledge is crucial for ensuring you and your friends and family can enjoy water activities safely.

Lesson notes

Water Safety Hazards Water can be dangerous. Here’s a breakdown of potential hazards at different water sources: Swimming Pools: Slippery surfaces: Running around the pool can easily lead to falls and injuries.

Diving in shallow water: This can cause serious head and neck injuries.

Unsupervised access: Children should never be left unattended near a pool.

Faulty pool equipment: Malfunctioning pumps or drains can be hazardous.

Chemical imbalances: Incorrectly balanced pool chemicals can cause skin and eye irritation.

Beaches: Strong currents and rip tides: These can pull swimmers far out to sea. Rip currents are particularly dangerous, often appearing as a calmer patch of water with fewer waves.

Waves: Large waves can knock swimmers over and cause injury.

Marine life: Jellyfish, sharks, and other marine animals can pose a threat. It is very important to listen to any alerts.

Sunburn: Prolonged exposure to the sun can cause severe burns.

Pollution: Dirty water can cause illness. Look out for signs warning of pollution.

Rivers: Strong currents: Rivers can have unpredictable and powerful currents, especially after heavy rain.

Submerged obstacles: Rocks, branches, and other debris can be hidden beneath the surface.

Uneven riverbeds: The depth of the river can change suddenly.

Fast-flowing water: Entering fast-flowing water is extremely dangerous.

Pollution: Rivers are often polluted and unsafe for swimming.

Dams: Deep water: Dams are often very deep, and the temperature can be very cold.

Sudden changes in water level: Water levels can rise quickly due to dam operations.

Strong currents near the dam wall: Currents can be very strong near the dam wall.

Underwater hazards: Debris and obstacles may be submerged.

Remoteness: Dams are often located in remote areas, making it difficult to get help in an emergency. Safety Rules Here are some essential safety rules for each water source: Swimming Pools: Always swim under adult supervision. Do not run around the pool. Never dive in shallow water. Learn to swim. Know where the safety equipment is located and how to use it.

Beaches: Always swim at beaches with lifeguards. Swim between the flags, which indicate the safest swimming area. Be aware of rip currents and know how to escape them (swim parallel to the shore). Apply sunscreen regularly. Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water.

Rivers: Never swim in rivers with strong currents. Be aware of submerged obstacles. Do not swim alone. Wear appropriate footwear to protect your feet. Avoid swimming in rivers after heavy rain.

Dams: Never swim in dams without adult supervision. Be aware of sudden changes in water level. Do not swim near the dam wall. Wear a life jacket. Avoid swimming in dams with strong currents. Emergency Procedures Knowing what to do in an emergency can save a life.

Here are some basic steps: Call for help: Shout loudly for assistance. Reach, throw, row: If someone is in trouble, try to reach them with a long object (e.g., a branch, towel, or pole). If that's not possible, throw them a floating object (e.g., a life jacket, ball, or empty cooler box). If available, use a boat or other watercraft to reach them. Never attempt to swim to a distressed person unless you are a trained lifeguard.

Call emergency services: Dial 112 from a mobile phone or 10177 for ambulance services. Be prepared to give your location and a description of the emergency.

First Aid: If someone is pulled from the water unresponsive, begin CPR if you are trained to do so. Continue until emergency services arrive.

Example: Rip Current Imagine you are swimming at Muizenberg Beach in Cape Town. You are having fun, but suddenly you notice that you are being pulled further out to sea, and you can’t seem to swim back to shore. You see the waves are breaking further to your left and right, but where you are, it's relatively calm. You are likely caught in a rip current!

What to do: Stay calm: Panicking will only make it harder to breathe and think clearly.

Don't swim against the current: This will exhaust you quickly.

Swim parallel to the shore: Swim sideways, along the beach, until you are out of the rip current. Often, a rip current is only a narrow channel. Once out of the current, swim at an angle away from the rip, towards the shore. If you can't escape, float and call for help. Wave your arms and shout loudly to attract attention from lifeguards or other beachgoers.

Example: Child Falling into a Pool You are at a braai at your friend's house. His younger sister accidentally falls into the pool.

What to do: Immediately call for an adult: This is the most important thing. Shout loudly to get their attention. If there are no adults nearby, try to reach the child with a long object: Use a pool noodle, a towel, or even a broom. If you are a strong swimmer, and there is no other option, enter the pool to rescue the child: But only do so if it is safe for you. Be careful not to get pulled under by the child.