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Pool Edge Circuit

A mini circuit of getting out, walking safely and getting back in, repeated so safe exits and entries become automatic.

Stages
Stage 2
Difficulty
Beginner
Skills
Safe Entry, Safe Exit, Water Safety
Equipment
None
Age
4–99 years
Group size
1–10 swimmers
Time
About 4 minutes
In a lesson
Introduction / Warm-up, Recap / Safe Exit
Shared by
SwimShare Resource

Safety notes

  • Check the edge height and grip are suitable.
  • Only one swimmer moving on poolside per section at a time.

What it develops

  • Enter the water safely without help
  • Exit the water safely without help

How to run it

  1. Swimmers start in the water holding the wall.
  2. They exit using 'elbow, elbow, knee, knee', stand up and walk three steps along the side.
  3. They sit down, turn and enter with a controlled swivel entry.
  4. Repeat three times, moving along the pool edge.

Teaching cues

  • Elbow, elbow, knee, knee.
  • Walk, don't run.
  • Sit, turn, slide in.

Make it easier

  • Use the steps for the exit and entry.
  • Teacher gives a lift from the water on the first exit.

Make it harder

  • Exit where the swimmer can't touch the floor, using a kick to help.
  • Add a push and glide back to the start after each entry.

Common faults

  • Trying to climb out knee first.
  • Standing up too quickly on the wet edge.

Corrections

  • Demonstrate the exit on poolside first.
  • 'Knees on the side, then stand up slowly.'

Assistant / L1 role

  • Stand on poolside at the walking section and make sure swimmers walk and sit before re-entering, while the teacher watches the exits from the water.