Independent water exploration in chest deep water with supervision (skill)
Definition: Walk freely through chest deep water controlling body and recovering when falling over. Move without fear through shallow end. Listens to instructions and returns to instructor and group when asked. Bold movement through the water without help.
Core cues:
- Move and maximize space
- Use the entire splashpad or shallow end for your class.
- Start in the dry portion and play with the spray features.
- Challenge participants to get specific body parts wet without getting others wet.
- Move to water slowly, alligator walking or playing with toys.
- Use slides and structures as part of games and challenges.
- Do jumps into the water with instructor support.
- Promote independent movement.
Coach interpretation:
- Move and maximize space: Use the entire splashpad or shallow end for your class.
- Start in the dry portion and play with the spray features: Challenge participants to get specific body parts wet without getting others wet.
- Move to water slowly, alligator walking or playing with toys: Transition gradually into the water.
- Use slides and structures as part of games and challenges: Incorporate the environment into activities.
- Do jumps into the water with instructor support: Provide physical support during jumps.
- Promote independent movement: Encourage swimmers to move on their own.
- Failing instructors loom above: Can the instructor to the left properly do a supported front glide in this position? No. If you see swim instructors looming over their swimmers, not kneeling in the water eye to eye, then your instructor is failing. Correct it quickly. The instructors need to be in the water too.
Teaching strategy:
Start in the dry portion and play with the spray features. Challenge participants to get specific body parts wet without getting others wet. Move to water slowly, alligator walking or playing with toys. Use slides and structures as part of games and challenges. Do jumps into the water with instructor support. Promote independent movement. While Guppies is a game focused class using group activities and challenges to promote water comfort and confidence, it can also teach basic level 1 skills.
Common errors and corrections:
- Failing instructors loom above: Correct it quickly. The instructors need to be in the water too.
Progression:
While Guppies is a game focused class using group activities and challenges to promote water comfort and confidence, it can also teach basic level 1 skills.
Short verified cues (confirmed present; check by eye): “No.”