Guidance Statement

TEACHING FROM THE POOLSIDE

In the situation where the teacher has responsibility for groups comprising more than two pupils the teaching position is from the side of the pool as this provides the best position to oversee the whole group in terms of safety and to provide appropriate feedback on the performance of each person in the group. This does not preclude a teacher being in the water to assist pupils either on a 1 to 1 or 1 to 2 basis or as an assistant to the class teacher. In fact, for groups of more than two pupils a fully qualified teacher on the poolside supported by an assistant in the water may be ideal.

It is recognised, however, that in some circumstances the teacher will have assessed the risk and may feel it is more appropriate to teach from within the water. For groups of more than two pupils this should only be considered when the group is being taught in shallow water (approximately 1m in depth) and after careful consideration of the potential risk factors which may result from the group being of varied ability. At all times the teacher must be able to clearly see all pupils and be close enough to provide physical support should this be required. It is recommended that a maximum of 4 pupils be accommodated in this way.

Reproduced by the kind permission of the Amateur Swimming Association