Floating Toy Hurricane – A Fun Underwater Game for Level 1 Swimmers

Name

Floating Toy Hurricane

Core Skill

Blowing bubbles and going underwater.

Who

Level 1 class (going underwater), 5 participants, 1 teacher. Assume a small pool where none of the class can touch the bottom, a platform for participants to stand on, and a range of toys available.

What

Our goal is to encourage participants to go underwater up to their eyes. Criteria for success: all participants play the game, some get their eyes underwater, some get their noses in, and some may only put their chins in.

How

Rotate the bench so it faces the wall. Place a bucket or bin near the side of the pool where participants can reach it and place toys inside (may need to be on the side). Gather a large number of floating toys in one small area. Have participants use their air, or blow on the toys, to “be the hurricane, or tornado” and blow the toys around their bench area. The instructor should make sure none stray off the bench, and if they do, bring them back. Give extra praise to participants that actually put their lips in the water or underwater to create bubbles when moving toys with their “wind” breath. After toys are scattered, each participant needs to clean up the storm and get the toys. They should do the following for each toy they retrieve:

1. Check underwater to make sure nothing sank
2. Put eyes underwater
3. If they don’t, then put chin in the water to “see” if anything sank
4. Walk to the toy as if they’re a motor boat moving slowly
5. Make bubbles and a low rumble noise as they approach by putting mouth underwater and going “bub, bub, bub, bub” as if the mouth is the motor running.
6. After getting a toy, tow it to the bucket for cleanup by walking backwards (towing the toy to safety).

You can make this a personal challenge by allowing one person to go at a time and cycle through until everyone is finished. Or you can turn this into a competitive game if your swimmers are a bit more comfortable. They can all move on their own and fill their own buckets. When all the toys or floating items are cleaned up after the hurricane, the person with the most wins. During this version, the instructor should watch for participants going underwater, doing the bubbling noises, and walking backwards to tow the toys. The instructor should also encourage participants to check if anything sank and encourage going underwater to look.

Difficulties Instructors Might Face

Some participants may be hesitant to put their face in the water. Encourage them by modeling the bubbling noise yourself and praising any effort. If a child refuses to put their chin in, let them blow on toys from above the water initially, then gradually lower their face. Keep the game light and fun—avoid pressure. Also, ensure toys are spread out enough to avoid crowding, and watch for children who might slip off the bench.