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

The American Red Cross Water Safety Instructor's Manual advises instructors to plan more activities than they think they will need. This ensures that the lesson remains engaging and productive, allowing the instructor to be flexible and adapt to the class's pace without having unplanned downtime.

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

For preschool-aged children, learning should be fun and engaging. Using games, songs, and playful activities makes learning new and sometimes scary skills like face submersion less intimidating and more enjoyable, which is a key principle in the Red Cross approach to teaching young children.

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

The American Red Cross emphasizes that every lesson should include reviewing skills to reinforce learning and incorporating a water safety topic to build a foundation of safe practices in, on, and around water. This integrated approach ensures both skill development and safety awareness.

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

Effective teaching often requires multiple approaches. When verbal cues aren't enough, kinesthetic feedback, such as physically guiding the swimmer's movements (with permission and proper technique), can be very effective for motor skill development. This provides a direct feel for the correct motion which is a key part of the skill acquisition process.

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

COLA stands for Check, Organize, Lead, and Assess. The 'Assess' step involves evaluating participants' progress throughout the course to determine if they are meeting the learning objectives and to adjust lesson plans accordingly.

WSI - Water Safety Instructor Practice Test

WSI - Water Safety Instructor Practice Test

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