What this water safety skill is
When someone is in trouble, the instinct is to jump in. That can put a second person in danger, even a strong swimmer. This skill teaches the safer way: reach or throw, don't go.
Your child always shouts for an adult first. Then they either reach out with something long from a low, steady position, or throw something that floats so it lands within the person's reach. It follows calling for help in an emergency and rounds off this group of safety skills.
Why it matters
Going in can mean two people in trouble.
A frightened person can pull even a strong swimmer under. Helping from the side avoids that.
Everyday things can help.
A pole, a towel, a noodle or a kickboard can all make a difference. Your child learns to spot them quickly.
Staying low keeps your child safe.
A low, steady position is much harder to be pulled from, and letting go is always allowed.
It builds calm confidence.
Children who know what to do are less likely to panic, and more likely to get help fast.
Who it is for
This is for children, teens and adults. Children always shout for an adult first and learn to reach from a low, safe position with a pole or towel. Teens practise both reaching and throwing, including aiming a throw. Rescue is never a child's responsibility: the goal is to help from a safe spot while adults take over. If you are learning as an adult, you practise the steadiest positions for you, like lying flat or keeping one hand on something solid.
Part 1 of 2
Reaching out with an aid
The goal
Your child lies down or crouches low on the deck, weight back from the edge, and holds out a pole, towel or noodle. They keep calling for help and guide the person slowly to the side.
Why it matters
Reaching with an object lets your child help while staying safely out of the water.
What happens in lessons
Shouting first.
Before anything else, your child calls for an adult or lifeguard. Every practice starts this way.
Getting low and steady.
Your child lies flat or crouches low, weight back from the edge. A low body is much harder to pull in.
Reaching with an object.
Your child looks for a pole, towel, noodle or kickboard. Using an object, not a hand, means they can simply let go.
Talking and pulling gently.
Your child holds out the aid, talks calmly and pulls slowly toward the edge. If they feel pulled, they let go.
Common questions
- Should my child ever jump in to save a friend?
- No. Even strong swimmers can be pulled under by a frightened person. Your child's job is to shout for an adult, then reach or throw from the side.
- What should we keep near our pool?
- A reaching pole and a ring buoy, or at least something that floats and can be thrown. Keep them easy to see and grab, and make sure everyone who uses the pool knows where they are.
- What if we can't reach and nothing floats?
- Keep shouting for help and call emergency services, or have someone else call. Keep your eyes on the person and point, so help knows where to go. Staying out of the water is still the right choice.
- Is my child strong enough for this?
- Reaching and throwing are about giving the person something to hold, not about strength. Pulling is gentle and slow, and if your child feels pulled toward the water, they let go.
- How is this practised safely?
- Your instructor plays the person in the water, standing where it is shallow. Your child practises the whole thing from the deck.
