Lesson Notes By Weeks and Term v5 - Grade 4

Lesson Video

This page supports the lesson note with a companion video and a short classroom-ready summary.

For class groups and homework, share this lesson page so learners also get the summary, objectives, and full lesson context.

Performance objectives

• Identify potential water hazards.
• Explain the importance of adult supervision and swimming rules.
• Know how to call for help in an emergency.
• Learn how to help someone without putting yourself in danger.

Lesson summary

This lesson focuses on water safety, which is extremely important for Grade 4 learners in South Africa. South Africa has numerous rivers, dams, swimming pools, and coastal areas where children often play, especially during the warmer months. Understanding how to stay safe in and around water can prevent accidents and even save lives. This isn't just about swimming; it's about recognising dangers and making responsible choices. Sadly, drowning is a significant cause of accidental death, especially amongst young children. This lesson will equip learners with the knowledge and skills to enjoy water safely and responsibly.

Lesson notes

What is Water Safety? Water safety means knowing how to behave safely around water to avoid accidents and injuries. This includes rivers, dams, swimming pools, the ocean, and even bathtubs. Why is Water Safety Important? Water can be fun, but it can also be dangerous. Without the right knowledge and precautions, you can get into trouble. Drowning can happen quickly and silently. Knowing how to stay safe around water can save your life or the life of someone else.

Potential Water Hazards: Swimming Pools: Slippery surfaces around the pool, diving into shallow water, not knowing how to swim, not having adult supervision, playing rough in the pool.

Rivers and Dams: Strong currents, hidden objects under the water (like rocks or branches), uneven riverbeds, cold water, not knowing how deep the water is, pollution. It's crucial to remember that rivers and dams are not the same as a swimming pool. They are often uncontrolled environments.

Ocean: Strong waves, rip currents (powerful currents that pull you away from the shore), dangerous marine life (like jellyfish or sharks), getting caught in rocks, tides. It’s also easy to underestimate how far you are swimming in the ocean.

Bathtubs and Buckets: Even small amounts of water can be dangerous for very young children. Never leave a baby or young child unattended in a bathtub or near a bucket filled with water.

Rules for Swimming Safely: Always swim with adult supervision: Never swim alone, especially in open water like rivers or the ocean.

Swim in designated areas: Swim where lifeguards are present. These areas are often marked and safer.

Obey the rules of the pool or beach: Pay attention to signs and listen to instructions from lifeguards.

Learn to swim: Swimming lessons can help you become a stronger and more confident swimmer. Even floating can save your life if you are in trouble.

Never run around the pool: The area around a pool can be slippery, and you could fall and hurt yourself.

Don't dive into shallow water: You could hit your head on the bottom.

Don't swim after eating: Wait at least an hour after eating before swimming, as you may get cramps.

Calling for Help: In an emergency, shout loudly for help. Try to get the attention of an adult or lifeguard. Point to the person in trouble. If you have a phone, call the emergency number (112 from a mobile phone in South Africa or 10111). Remember to give your location clearly. Helping Someone in Trouble (Reach, Throw, Don't Go): Reach: If someone is close to the edge of the pool or riverbank, try to reach them with a stick, towel, or rope. Lie down to extend your reach.

Throw: If they are further away, throw them something that floats, like a life ring, a plastic bottle, or a cooler box.

Don't Go: Never jump into the water to try to save someone unless you are a trained lifeguard or strong swimmer. You could end up in trouble too. It is almost always better to call for help rather than trying a rescue yourself.

Worked example

Example 1: Thando is at a dam with his family. He sees a nice rock on the other side of the dam and wants to swim to it. What should Thando do?

Solution: Thando should NOT swim to the rock. Dams can have strong currents, hidden objects, and the water might be deeper than he thinks. He should tell an adult what he wants to do and ask if they can help him find a safer way to get to the rock (or explain why it's not safe).

Example 2: Aisha is swimming in a pool with her friends, and she starts to feel tired. There is no lifeguard on duty, but her older sister is watching them from the side of the pool. What should Aisha do?

Solution: Aisha should immediately tell her older sister that she is feeling tired. She should swim to the side of the pool and get out. Her sister can then help her rest and ensure she is okay.

Example 3: Sipho sees his friend, Lindiwe, struggling in the shallow end of the pool. Lindiwe cannot swim. What should Sipho do?

Solution: Sipho should shout for help immediately. He should try to reach Lindiwe with a pool noodle or his hand if she is close enough and it is safe for him to do so. He should NOT jump into the pool to try to save her if he is not a strong swimmer himself.

Guided Practice (With Solutions)

Question 1: Name two potential dangers of swimming in a river.

Solution:

1. Strong currents

2. Hidden objects under the water.

Commentary: This question tests the learner's ability to recall specific hazards associated with rivers.*

Question 2: You see a child fall into a swimming pool. No adults are nearby. What is the first thing you should do?

Solution: Shout loudly for help to attract the attention of any adults nearby.

Commentary: This emphasizes the importance of immediately seeking help in an emergency.*

Question 3: List three rules you should follow when swimming in a public swimming pool.

Solution:

1. Swim with adult supervision.

2. Obey the rules of the pool.

3. Don't run around the pool.

Commentary: This reinforces safe behaviour in a common water environment.*

Question 4: Your friend is struggling in the water near the edge of a dam. What could you use to try to pull them to safety without going into the water yourself?

Solution: You could use a long stick, a towel, or a rope to try and pull them to safety.

Commentary: This applies the 'reach' principle of water safety.*

Independent Practice (Questions Only)

Why is it important to learn about water safety?

Describe a time when you needed to be extra careful around water. What did you do?

What are rip currents, and why are they dangerous?

You are at the beach, and you see a sign that says "No Swimming." What should you do, and why?

Imagine you are in charge of making a list of rules for a swimming pool. Write down five important rules.

Your younger sibling wants to swim in the bathtub alone. What would you say to them and your parents?

Explain the difference between swimming in a pool and swimming in the ocean.

Why is it important to know how to swim, even if you don't swim often?

What is the emergency number to call in South Africa, and what information should you give when you call?

Design a poster about water safety to display at your school.