Instructions
Read the short passage below about why swimming is such a great skill. Then, use what you've learned to complete the fun activities that follow. Let's dive in!
Swimming: Your Superpower in the Water!
Have you ever splashed around in a pool or the ocean? It's a lot of fun! But knowing how to swim well, especially the freestyle stroke (also called the front crawl), is more than just fun—it's a super important life skill.
First, it's all about safety. Knowing how to swim can keep you safe in and around water. It prevents accidents and gives you the ability to help someone else who might be in trouble, or even perform a basic rescue if you are properly trained. Second, swimming is amazing for your health. Freestyle is a full-body workout that makes your heart, lungs, and muscles strong. It builds endurance, which is the power to stay active for longer without getting tired. Third, it opens up a world of social fun! You can join in at pool parties, feel confident at the beach, and even try other water sports like water polo or surfing. Finally, learning to swim builds confidence. Overcoming a fear or learning a new, difficult skill makes you feel proud and capable. So, learning to swim is a gift you give yourself for a lifetime of safety, health, and fun!
Activity 1: Fact or Fiction?
Read each sentence below. If the statement is true, write FACT. If it's false, write FICTION.
- 1. Freestyle is another name for the backstroke. _______________
- 2. Swimming is only good for your leg muscles. _______________
- 3. Being a good swimmer can help you feel more confident. _______________
- 4. Knowing how to swim is an important safety skill. _______________
- 5. Endurance is the ability to stay active for a long time. _______________
Activity 2: Word Scramble Challenge
Unscramble the letters to spell a word from the reading passage. Use the clues to help you!
- 1. F E Y A S T (The most important reason to learn to swim.)
Answer: ____________________ - 2. H E T L A H (Swimming is great for your body's...)
Answer: ____________________ - 3. T Y L E R S E F E (A fast and efficient swim stroke.)
Answer: ____________________ - 4. C E N I F O D E C N (Believing in your own abilities.)
Answer: ____________________ - 5. C U E E R S (To help someone out of a dangerous situation.)
Answer: ____________________
Activity 3: What's the Safe Choice?
Read the scenario below and write down two safe things you could do. Remember the safety rules you've learned about water!
Scenario: You are at a friend's backyard pool party. Your friend, who is not a strong swimmer, accidentally drops their favorite waterproof toy into the 4-foot deep water, and it sinks to the bottom. They are very upset and want to jump in to get it. What are two safe actions you could take?
1. ____________________________________________________________________
2. ____________________________________________________________________
Activity 4: Design a Water Safety Poster
In the box below, design a colorful poster about one important water safety rule (like "Never Swim Alone" or "Walk, Don't Run"). Your poster should have a picture and a short, catchy slogan.
Answer Key
Activity 1: Fact or Fiction?
- FICTION
- FICTION
- FACT
- FACT
- FACT
Activity 2: Word Scramble Challenge
- SAFETY
- HEALTH
- FREESTYLE
- CONFIDENCE
- RESCUE
Activity 3: What's the Safe Choice?
(Answers will vary, but should include safe choices. Here are some examples.)
- Tell your friend not to jump in after the toy because it's not safe.
- Find a parent or another adult and ask them for help.
- Find a pool net (skimmer) or a long pole to reach the toy from the side of the pool.
- Offer to get the toy for them if you are a strong, confident swimmer and an adult is watching.
Activity 4: Design a Water Safety Poster
This is a creative activity. Answers are based on your own design and safety message!