Make the class feel at home by talking to them in a friendly manner about the simple rules of hygiene in the baths (and the rule of the whistle if used).

Explain the first rule of swimming, i.e. shoulders must be under the surface; the water giving support and making it impossible to fall. Explain also that we walk about on land in an upright position, but for swimming we have to get in a horizontal position with our shoulders under water.

Suggested Graded Practices For Beginners (Spread over several lessons, repeating practices)

• Sit and kick.
• Entry into water - sit, place both hands outside one leg and slide in.
• Jump up and down.
• Walk sideways - holding the rail with shoulders under water.
• Getting feet off the bottom - hold the rail, walk up and down the wall, walk sideways with feet up the wall.
• Breathing - bubbling with mouth under followed by head under bubbling.
• Getting out of bath - hands on side, shoulders under, jump out.
• Getting horizontal - hold rail, take a breath, put your face under the water and your feet will rise.
• Regaining feet - tucking up to stand. Lift your head, tuck up the knees to stand.
• Leg Kick - practice leg kick in horizontal position.
• Learning to glide - stand away from the rail and lean gently on the water to glide to the rail and tuck to stand. Increase the distance (use float when the glide appears). Add breathing "Blow your hands forward". Add leg-kick.
• Dog Paddle - introduce at this point added to push and glide.
• Getting on the back - hold the rail with feet on the wall, let go with one hand then the other then both. Unroll to partner.
• Regaining Feet - tuck up to stand, using hands in an upward scooping motion as the head is raised.

Help for those studying this and other courses will feature on a forthcoming Coach-Ed CD-r.

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