Swimming and Water Safety
KS1PE-KS1-D004
Swimming competently over a distance of at least 25 metres, using a range of strokes and performing safe self-rescue in different water-based situations.
National Curriculum context
The National Curriculum requires that all pupils should be able to swim competently by the end of KS2, and schools may choose to teach swimming during KS1 to meet this requirement. The programme of study specifies three specific outcomes: swimming at least 25 metres using a range of strokes; using backstroke, breaststroke and front crawl; and performing safe self-rescue in different water-based situations. The inclusion of water safety as a distinct outcome, alongside swimming competence, reflects the life-critical nature of this skill: pupils are not merely developing a sport but acquiring an essential safety skill. Schools that cannot deliver swimming at KS1 must ensure it is delivered at KS2 so that the requirement is met before the end of primary education.
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Concepts
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Clusters
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Prerequisites
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With difficulty levels
Lesson Clusters
Develop swimming ability and water safety across a range of strokes
practice CuratedSingle concept domain. Swimming Competence and Water Safety covers both the technical stroke skills and the safety knowledge required to meet the statutory swimming standard — always taught as integrated aspects of aquatic competence.
Concepts (1)
Swimming Competence and Water Safety
skill Specialist TeacherPE-KS1-C004
Swimming competence combines the technical skills of using different swimming strokes with the physical confidence and stamina to swim a sustained distance. Water safety is distinct from swimming skill: it involves the knowledge and physical capability to survive in water in unexpected situations, including the ability to float on one's back and to tread water. At KS1/KS2, pupils develop both swimming skill and water safety awareness as complementary aspects of aquatic competence.
Teaching guidance
Develop water confidence before stroke technique by using games, floats and supported activity in shallow water. Introduce front crawl, backstroke and breaststroke systematically with clear technique points. Build up distance gradually, initially with floats and then independently. Teach floating and trebling water as explicit water safety skills, distinct from stroke swimming. Discuss scenarios where water safety matters - falling into a river, being in choppy seas - to give context to self-rescue skills. Ensure all pupils have equal access to swimming regardless of cultural or language barriers.
Common misconceptions
Pupils and parents may not understand why all three strokes are required; explaining that different strokes are used in different conditions and that versatility is the goal helps. Some pupils may have significant water anxiety; a gradual, supportive approach that builds confidence before technique is essential. The distance of 25 metres can seem arbitrary; explaining that it represents the minimum for safe independent swimming in a pool context helps pupils understand the requirement.
Difficulty levels
Entering the water confidently with support, moving through the water using aids, and putting the face in the water.
Example task
Climb into the pool using the steps. Hold the float and kick your legs to move across the pool.
Model response: I climbed in using the steps and held onto the float. I kicked my legs and moved across the pool. I put my face in the water and blew bubbles.
Swimming short distances using a recognisable stroke (front crawl or backstroke) with developing coordination of arms and legs.
Example task
Swim 10 metres using front crawl. Try to coordinate your arm strokes with your leg kicks.
Model response: I swam 10 metres with my face in the water, turning my head to breathe. I kept my legs kicking steadily while my arms reached forward and pulled back through the water.
Swimming competently and confidently over a distance of at least 25 metres using one or more strokes, and demonstrating basic water safety skills.
Example task
Swim 25 metres using front crawl or backstroke. Then demonstrate a safe entry, treading water for 30 seconds and floating on your back.
Model response: I swam 25 metres front crawl with smooth, rhythmic strokes and steady breathing. Then I stepped in safely, trod water for 30 seconds using a gentle breaststroke kick, and floated on my back with my body relaxed and still.
Delivery rationale
Physical Education skill concept — requires physical space, expert technique correction, and safety supervision.