By Albertini Cyril, AEEPS-EPIC, Ministery of Education , FRANCE
I CAN treading water and immerge my-self to adapt to a wave
The student can stay stationary on or below the surface to avoid danger when breaking waves pass.
- Breathing: inhalation is very brief. They can hold their breath for around ten seconds.
- Remaining stationary: the student can quickly change the direction of their support.
- Remaining stationary: the student can quickly change the direction of their support. Downwards to stay afloat (gather information and see the waves coming). Then upwards to submerge (to let the wave pass over the surface). Finally, they go downwards again to return to the surface..
A section of a swimming lane in a pool can be used to set up this situation. A minimum depth of 2m is required.
Equipment needed: at least one board per student participating in generating the breaking wave (two per student if possible: one to sit on for stability in the water and one to generate the wave).
A group of four students is needed to generate a breaking wave. These students must be skilled enough to be able to apply sufficient force in a straight line (from back to front) and coordinate with the other three students to generate a breaking wave.
The instructor, positioned at the edge of the pool, asks the four students to line up two meters in front of the participant.
The instructor gives the signal to the four students to activate their boards at the same time.
Once the student is submerged, the instructor gives the signal for the student to come back up (e.g., by making a metallic noise underwater).
The instructor stands ready to intervene (safety guaranteed with the aid of a pole) if the student swallows water or panics..
This activity is best done in the middle or at the end of the lesson.
The approximate time for this activity is around 40 seconds for a sequence of three waves.
Treading water for 10 seconds. Immerse yourself for 10 seconds.
This scenario can be chosen at random and/or occur unexpectedly once the swimmer has begun their course. The element of surprise can be a source of motivation for the student who is swimming and will have to take on this type of challenge. For the other students in the class, the focus on a fun challenge (creating the biggest wave possible) is very important.
The students generating the breaking wave must hold their boards vertically and move them forward powerfully and in coordination with the others to generate a breaking wave. Sitting on a board allows them to be more stable and effective.
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