Cool-Down Float and Stretch
A calm finish: easy swim, gentle floating and simple stretches in the water, with a quick recap of the lesson aim.
- Stages
- Stage 5, Stage 6, Stage 7
- Difficulty
- Beginner
- Skills
- Buoyancy, Back Float
- Equipment
- None, Noodle
- Age
- 6–99 years
- Group size
- 1–20 swimmers
- Time
- About 3 minutes
- In a lesson
- Recap / Safe Exit
- Shared by
- SwimShare Resource
Safety notes
- Controlled exit at the end – steps or side, one at a time.
What it develops
- Use floating and signalling for self-rescue
- Float and rest to save energy
- Survival floating and energy saving
How to run it
- Swim one easy width.
- Star float on the back for 30 seconds, breathing slowly.
- Holding the wall, gentle stretches for arms and legs.
- Teacher asks: 'What did you improve today?' before a safe exit.
Teaching cues
- Slow down.
- Breathe out slowly.
- Tell me one thing you improved.
Make it easier
- Float with a noodle.
Make it harder
- Vertical float instead of star float.
- Swimmers lead the recap.
Common faults
- Messing about during the cool-down.
Corrections
- Keep it short and structured.
Assistant / L1 role
- Supervise the exit and make sure swimmers walk on poolside.