safety & Necessity
Define the word "essential" and use it in a sentence explaining why swimming is considered essential for many people.
Essential" = absolutely necessary; e.g., "Swimming is essential for many who live near water because it can save lives."
Define "hazards" and give two specific examples of water-related hazards.
Hazards" = dangers; examples: rip currents, sudden drop-offs, hypothermia.
Define "blow bubbles" and explain why teaching this skill is useful for beginner swimmers.
"Blow bubbles" = exhale through nose or mouth in water to learn breath control.
Explain what "closely supervised" means in a pool context and why it matters.
"Closely supervised" = constant watch by trained staff within immediate reach; prevents delayed response.
Define "pursue (your dreams)" in your own words and give one concrete example of how swimming could help someone pursue a dream.
Example: swimming can help someone pursue a career as a marine biologist or lifeguard.
— Explain the difference between a "necessity" and a "luxury" and argue which category swimming instruction falls into for coastal communities.
Swimming instruction as "necessity" for coastal communities — justified by safety and daily life needs.
— What does "drown" mean? Explain one primary cause of drowning incidents and one preventive action.
"Drown" = die by suffocation from inhaling water; cause: inability to swim, exhaustion; prevention: supervision, flotation devices.
— What does it mean to "float"? Describe one simple classroom activity that helps ESL students practice floating vocabulary while also practicing the physical skill in a pool.
"Float" = maintain buoyancy; activity: paired practice where one student supports another while they learn to float.
— List three simple safety rules an instructor might "establish" before a swim class begins.
: Rules: no running, swim with a buddy, listen to the lifeguard/instructor.
— Using the phrase "do poorly," write one sentence describing how setbacks in learning to swim can be reframed as learning opportunities.
: Reframe: "If I do poorly at first, I can practice and get better."
Read this short sentence and replace the blank with an appropriate vocabulary word from the unit: "For families living near rivers, learning to swim is a _____ that can save lives." Then justify your choice in two sentences.
: Best fit: "necessity." Explanation: proximity to water increases life-saving importance.
In one paragraph, explain what "become submerged" means and describe how rapid currents increase the chance someone will become submerged.
"Become submerged" = go completely under water; currents can pull a swimmer under or trap them.
Use the verb "pursue" (as in "pursue your dreams") in a two-sentence paragraph that connects learning to swim with personal goals or future opportunities.
Example: "She will pursue her dreams of becoming a lifeguard by practicing swimming and certification."
Draft a short script (3–4 lines) an instructor could use to "insist on" a rule about no running on the pool deck, making the language clear for ESL students.
Script: "Please stop running. I insist on everyone walking on the deck to stay safe."
Compose a two-paragraph motivational message for an ESL student who is afraid of deep water. Include "determined" and "pursue" in your message.
: Motivational message sample: encourage determination and small steps.
Analyze how access to swimming lessons can affect public health outcomes in a community. Use at least two vocabulary words from the list in your answer.
Example answer should mention reduced drowning risk, increased safety, include "establish safety rules," "determined" or "necessity."
The word "refuse" can appear in safety contexts. Create a two-sentence safety sign that uses "refuse" to warn swimmers or bystanders.
: Example sign: "Refuse to enter the water when warnings are posted. Refuse unauthorized swims."
— Create a short two-paragraph instructional sequence (3–5 steps total) for teaching a beginner how to breathe in the water, using the terms "blow bubbles" and "float."
: Steps: (1) practice blowing bubbles at edge, (2) practice floating with support, (3) combine breathing and floating.
Explain how cultural differences might affect how families view supervision and rules around swimming. Use "establish safety rules" and "precautions" in your response.
: Cultural differences: some families more cautious; others more trusting; need to establish safety rules and precautions that respect differences.
Explain how mastering swimming skills can influence a student's self-efficacy and future decision making. Use at least three vocabulary words from the provided list.
Sample analysis: improved confidence, resilience, willingness to pursue challenges; include "determined," "do poorly," "pursue," etc.
Write a brief policy recommendation (3–4 sentences) for a local school district arguing that swimming instruction be included in graduation requirements. Include these words: "determined," "necessity," and "establish safety rules."
: Sample policy recommendation: mention determined implementation, necessity for safety, establish safety rules in schools.
Analyze a case study: Someone insists on swimming alone despite posted warnings about dangerous rip currents. Explain, using "insist on" and "hazards," why this behavior increases risk and describe at least two consequences the swimmer or rescuers might face.
Explanation should cover increased likelihood of injury/death, risk to rescuers, legal consequences.
Using "do poorly" and "determined," write a reflective paragraph (4–6 sentences) from the perspective of a student who initially "did poorly" in swim lessons but became "determined" and improved. Include specific actions the student took to improve.
Reflective paragraph should include practice, lessons, coaching, determination, measurable improvement.
— Design a checklist (6 items) that pool staff should follow to ensure all swimmers are "closely supervised" and that appropriate "precautions" are in place before allowing free swim.
: Checklist example: certified lifeguard present, ratio checks, safety equipment ready, swimmer assessment, buddy system enforced, clear signage.
Create a short student reflection prompt (5–7 questions) that asks seniors to connect their swimming experiences to life goals, using words such as "pursue," "determined," "do poorly," and "become submerged." Make at least two questions directly ask for examples from the student's life.
Reflection prompt sample: asks for concrete examples and goals; encourages use of vocabulary.