By Susana Soares, Filipa Raposo Medeiros, Miguel Ricardo Couto Faria, Miguel de Sousa Melo
I KNOW that I can collect the defined number of objects without breathing, and I can gradually increase the time I stay underwater.
I CAN submerge myself and move underwater to pick objects as far as possible
- The student evaluates their own ability to complete the challenge (collecting 10 objects without surfacing);
- The student independently decides whether or not to attempt the exercise;
- The student performs the exercise safely, respecting their own limits.
Shallow pool (≤ 1.2 m) for younger children or those with less experience; medium-depth pool (~1.7 m) for older children or those with greater aquatic autonomy.
Submersible objects – rings, plastic discs, swimming goggles. Net to place the objects.
Groups of 3 to 4 members
The teacher outside the water
15–20 minutes, during the main part of the lesson.
Knowing how to submerge, stay afloat, and swim short distances independently.
Scatter several objects (rings, discs) on the pool floor within each lane. Each group, in turns, performs the “underwater hunt” activity. One participant enters the water to collect as many objects as possible, while another teammate accompanies them in the water for support and safety. The remaining members guide and supervise from the poolside.
Each participant must decide whether they can collect 10 objects without surfacing.
- If they choose to do it and succeed, they earn 10 points for their team;
- If they choose to do it but fail to collect all 10 objects, 10 points are deducted from their team;
- If they choose not to try, no points are added or removed.
Variations:
- Use more objects; Change the number of objects to collect; ask the child to define the number of objects that she feels that she can take.
Tips:
- Encourage controlled breathing before and after diving;
- Promote cooperation among teammates;
- Prioritize safety over the number of collected objects.
