WSI - Water Safety Instructor Teaching Methods and Lesson Planning Questions and Answers

Question 1

When developing a lesson plan, a Water Safety Instructor (WSI) should always plan more activities than they expect to need for the allotted time. What is the primary reason for this recommendation?

Accepted Answer

To have backup activities in case some participants master skills faster than anticipated or an activity is not effective.

Answer

To ensure the class finishes early, allowing for extra free time.

Answer

To impress the supervising lifeguard with a wide variety of drills and games.

Answer

To fill the time in case the instructor forgets the main skill progression for the day.

Question 2

A WSI is planning a lesson for a Preschool Aquatics Level 2 class. A key objective is to have the children become comfortable with submerging their faces and blowing bubbles. Which teaching method would be most effective and appropriate for this age group?

Accepted Answer

Incorporating games and songs that involve putting their mouths in the water to make 'motorboat' sounds or retrieving colorful rings.

Answer

Using a command-style approach where the instructor directs all children to submerge their faces at the same time.

Answer

A lecture-based explanation of the physiological benefits of breath control.

Answer

Having them repeatedly practice the skill with no variation until everyone can do it perfectly.

Question 3

Which of the following is an essential component of every lesson plan, regardless of the level being taught?

Accepted Answer

A review of previously learned skills and a water safety topic.

Answer

A competitive game to determine the best swimmer.

Answer

At least 20 minutes of independent free-play time.

Answer

An introduction to a competitive swimming stroke like the butterfly.

Question 4

During a Learn-to-Swim Level 4 class, a student is having significant difficulty with the timing of the breaststroke kick. The instructor has already provided verbal feedback. What is the BEST next step for the instructor to take?

Accepted Answer

Use a hands-on approach to physically guide the student's legs through the correct motion, while providing support.

Answer

Tell the student to just keep practicing and it will eventually click.

Answer

Move the student back to Level 3 until they improve.

Answer

Have the student watch a video of an Olympic swimmer performing the breaststroke after class.

Question 5

The acronym COLA is a tool used by WSIs during lesson planning and throughout a course. What does the 'A' in COLA stand for?

Accepted Answer

Assess

Answer

Action

Answer

Activity

Answer

Adjust

Question 6

An instructor is creating a block plan for an 8-session Learn-to-Swim Level 1 course. Which of the following represents the best approach to sequencing skills in the block plan?

Accepted Answer

Build a logical progression, starting with basic water comfort and breath control, then introducing floating, glides, and basic propulsion in subsequent lessons.

Answer

Introduce all skills in the first lesson and practice them equally in every subsequent lesson.

Answer

Teach the most difficult skills, like rotary breathing, first to get them out of the way.

Answer

Focus on one specific skill per lesson, for example, lesson one is only for blowing bubbles, lesson two is only for floating.