Famela Restrepo

LEI 4724
Activity File 2
Activity title: Back float (swimming lessons)
Source: Disabilities and Other Health Conditions. (2009). In American Red Cross
swimming and water safety (3rd ed., p. 80,166, 167). Yardley, PA: Stay Well.
Equipment: public or home pool, cap, goggles, flotation devices, sunblock
Description of activity:
The objective of the lesson is that participant feel comfortable in, on and around water. They
become safer and better swimmers. A big part of staying safe in the water is feeling confident.
Being able to float is a tremendous confident builder. To float in back first, the participant has to
be in chest -deep water, submerge to the neck. Second, hold the arms overhead and slightly out to
the side. Then lay the head back until the ears are in the water. Fourth, arch the body gently at the
hips, pushing the chest and stomach toward the surface. Fifth, keep the legs relaxed, knees
slightly bent and feet beneath the surface. Then breathe in and out through the mouth every few
seconds. The instructor will be close to the participant to help balance for a few seconds if
necessary.
Leadership: This activity works best for small groups (Maximum of 6 participants). The
facilitator should restrict the area to be used in the pool, so participants will be closer to the
activity area. By doing this the facilitator will be able to see everyone who is performing the
activity. Therapist functions as a moderator first by explaining the exercise, then by instructing
participants to the adequate place to start. Then therapist functions as facilitator by following and
guiding every movement that the participant is performing. Also help if necessary or give
additional guidance while the participant is performing the activity.
Adaptations:
Hearing impairment: adjustment in communication techniques are often
necessary to accommodate the need of people who are deaf or hard hearing.
Reduce the number of participant from 2 to 3. Visual communication, done through
demonstration, gesture, speechreading and sign language, is often the most
effective way to convoy information. In addition, if possible, provide written
information, charts or pictures. Speak slowly, naturally and clearly.
Vision impairment: to be able to listen to and hear others, learning and using
stroke that keep the ears out of the water allows swimmers with visual impairment
to stay in communication with others and be aware of their environment. It is also
necessary to use touch and other audible signals, such as whistles to promote clear
communication. Teachers can also use a tapping device to splash the water where

the swimmer is expected to dive or jump so that the swimmer can orient to the
noise.