Buddy Float Tow
A lifesaving taster: one swimmer holds a float and relaxes on their back; the rescuer tows them by the float, never by grabbing them.
- Stages
- Stage 7
- Difficulty
- Advanced
- Skills
- Water Safety, Side Kick
- Equipment
- Float, Noodle
- Age
- 9–99 years
- Group size
- 2–12 swimmers
- Time
- About 6 minutes
- In a lesson
- Skill Development 1, Skill Development 2, Game / Consolidation
- Shared by
- SwimShare Resource
Safety notes
- Pairs of similar size; the casualty can stand or reach the wall at any time.
- Make clear real rescues need training – shout for help, reach or throw first.
What it develops
- Combine aquatic skills in a sequence
- Water safety and rescue awareness
How to run it
- The 'casualty' holds a float and floats on the back.
- The rescuer takes hold of the other end of the float and kicks on the side, towing them.
- Talk to the casualty throughout: 'Hold on, I've got you'.
- Swap roles. Discuss why you never let a panicking person grab you.
Teaching cues
- Tow the float, not the person.
- Keep talking.
- Kick on your side.
Make it easier
- Tow with a noodle.
- Short distance.
Make it harder
- Longer tow in deeper water.
- Casualty in a T-shirt.
Common faults
- Rescuer reaching for the casualty.
- Towing on the front with the head down.
Corrections
- Keep the float between you.
- Side kick with the head up.
Assistant / L1 role
- Supervise one pair and check the float always stays between the swimmers.