Watchful Eyes Slides Watchful Eyes
Junior Lifeguard Academy: Module 1
Spot the Difference
🏊♀️ 🥤 ☀️
Scene A: Kids playing in the water. Adults are inside the house talking.
🏊♀️ 👨💼 🛡️
Scene B: Kids playing in the water. A designated adult is sitting poolside watching.
Which scene is safe? Why?
Academy Rule #1
"Never Swim Alone!"
Swim with a Buddy
A Watching Adult
Active Attention
The Water Watcher
No Distractions
No phones, books, or chores.
Eyes on the Water
Watching every child, every second.
Ready to Act
Staying close enough to reach out.
Watcher Pledge
"I will keep my eyes on the water. I will not talk to others. I will not use my phone. My only job is to keep you safe."
Lifeguard Challenge
1. An adult is reading a book while kids swim.
Unsafe
2. Two friends go to the lake without telling anyone.
Unsafe
3. A parent puts their phone away and watches the pool.
Safe
Watchful Eyes Teacher Guide Watchful Eyes
Teacher Guide | Lesson 1
Grade Level
2nd
Learning Objectives
Explain why constant adult supervision is necessary near water.
Identify characteristics of an effective "Water Watcher."
Demonstrate understanding of the "Never Swim Alone" rule.
Materials Needed
Watchful Eyes Slides
Water Watcher Badge Worksheet
Two photos/illustrations of pool parties (from Hook)
Lesson Instructions
1
The Hook: Spot the Difference (5 mins)
Display the "Spot the Difference" slide. Ask students to describe what the adults are doing in each scene. Use this to transition into the idea that water is fun but requires special "safety eyes."
2
Direct Instruction: Academy Rule #1 (10 mins)
Key Discussion Points:
The Golden Rule: Even the best swimmers in the world never swim alone. Why? (Discuss how quickly accidents can happen).
Water Watchers: An adult who is watching isn't just "there"—they have a job. No phones, no books, just eyes on the water.
3
Worksheet: Water Watcher Badges (15 mins)
Hand out the Water Watcher Badge Worksheet . Students will design their own badge and list the three "No-Go" distractions (phones, books, chores). This creates a physical reminder of what they should look for in a safety adult.
4
Lifeguard Challenge (5 mins)
"If you are at a pool and you see your adult looking at their phone, what should you do?" (Encourage them to say: "Excuse me, could you please be my Water Watcher?")
Differentiation Tips
Support
Provide visuals/stickers of a phone with a 'forbidden' sign for the worksheet.
Extension
Ask students to write a 'contract' for their parents to sign before the next pool trip.
Water Watcher Badge Worksheet Water Watcher Badge
Junior Lifeguard Academy | Module 1
Name:
Date:
1. Design Your Badge
Draw a picture of a "Water Watcher" adult using their eyes to keep everyone safe. Don't forget to color it!
Official Safety Official
No Distractions!
A Water Watcher must NEVER do these 3 things while kids are swimming:
The Pledge
Finish the sentence below:
If I don't see an adult watching the water, I will ________________________
"Safe Swimmers Always Swim With A Buddy And A Watcher!"
Float Smart Slides Float Smart
Junior Lifeguard Academy: Module 2
The Great Float Test
Which one will keep a heavy object safe and floating for a long time?
U.S. Coast Guard Life Jacket
Inflatable Arm Floats
Pool Noodle
⚓️
Will it sink or float?
Gear vs. Toys
Life Jackets
✅ Coast Guard Approved
✅ Stays on tight with buckles
✅ Works even if it gets a tiny hole
✅ Keeps your head above water
Pool Toys
❌ Not for safety!
❌ Can slip off easily
❌ Can pop or leak air
❌ Only for play in shallow water
The Fit Test
1
Fasten all buckles and zippers.
2
Pull the shoulders up.
3
If it passes your ears, it's too big!
When to Wear One?
🛶
On a Boat
Always!
🌊
Open Water
Lakes and Oceans
🎓
Learning
If you aren't a strong swimmer yet
Float Smart Teacher Guide Float Smart
Teacher Guide | Lesson 2
Grade Level
2nd
Learning Objectives
Distinguish between safety flotation devices and water toys.
Identify the U.S. Coast Guard approval label on a life jacket.
Explain and demonstrate the "Fit Test" for a life jacket.
Materials Needed
Float Smart Slides
One U.S. Coast Guard approved life jacket (for demo)
One pool toy (arm floats or noodle)
Jacket Check Activity Sheet
Lesson Instructions
1
The Great Float Test (Hook) (10 mins)
Perform a live "Sink or Float" test if possible. Wrap a heavy object (like a rock or weighted bottle) in a life jacket and place it in a tub of water. Do the same with a pool noodle or arm float (you may need to deflate it slightly to show what happens if it leaks).
Ask: "Which one can we depend on to save a life? Why?"
2
Direct Instruction: The 3 Rules of Gear (10 mins)
1. The Label: Show students the printed label inside a real life jacket. Explain that "U.S. Coast Guard Approved" means it has been tested by experts.
2. The Fit: Demonstrate the "Ears Test." Pull up on the shoulder straps of a life jacket worn by a volunteer. If the jacket hits their ears, it's too big!
3. Toys vs. Gear: Reinforce that toys (nodules, floats) can pop, leak, or slip off. They are for fun, not for safety.
3
Worksheet: Jacket Check (15 mins)
Hand out the Jacket Check Activity Sheet . Students will circle the real safety gear and draw a line through the toys. They will also label the steps of the Fit Test.
4
Final Review (5 mins)
"True or False: I don't need a life jacket on a boat if I have my pool noodle with me." (Discuss why this is False).
Discussion Prompts
"What happens to an inflatable arm float if you touch a sharp rock?"
"Why is it important for the buckles to be tight?"
Jacket Check Activity Sheet Jacket Check
Junior Lifeguard Academy | Module 2
Name:
Safety Gear vs. Toys
Circle the items that are Real Safety Gear . Put an X over items that are Only Toys .
🛟
Life Ring
🛶
Pool Noodle
🦺
Life Jacket
🎈
💪💪
Arm Floats
The Fit Test Steps
Number these steps from 1 to 3 to show the correct order for fitting a life jacket.
Pull up on the shoulders to check the fit.
Put your arms through and zip/buckle it up.
Make sure the jacket doesn't go past your ears.
Safety Label
Draw what you would see on the safety label inside a real life jacket!
Approved by: U.S. COAST GUARD
Module 2 Complete!
Always buckle up before you boat!
Pool Patrol Slides Pool Patrol
Junior Lifeguard Academy: Module 3
The Rule Reason
"Rules aren't there to stop the fun. Rules are there to PROTECT the fun!"
Cause
Something happens...
Effect
...and this is the result.
Walk, Don't Run!
The Problem:
Pool decks are wet and slippery. Running can lead to falls.
The Solution:
Always use your "Pool Walk" (slow, flat feet).
No Diving
🚫 🏊♂️
Shallow Water!
?
Why is diving in shallow water dangerous?
You could hit your head or neck on the bottom.
Always enter feet first in unknown water!
Peer Patrol
How to help a friend:
Be Kind
Use a Calm Voice
Explain Why
"Hey! Please walk, the floor is slippery and I don't want you to fall!"
Pool Patrol Teacher Guide Pool Patrol
Teacher Guide | Lesson 3
Grade Level
2nd
Learning Objectives
Analyze the safety reasons behind common pool rules.
Identify cause-and-effect relationships in water safety scenarios.
Practice assertive but kind communication of safety rules to peers.
Materials Needed
Pool Patrol Slides
Safety Detective Log (Worksheet)
Optional: "Pool Rules" sign or poster
Lesson Instructions
1
Game: The Pool Walk Challenge (10 mins)
Play a game of "Red Light, Green Light" in the classroom or gym.
New Rule: On "Green Light," students cannot run. They must perform a "Pool Walk" (exaggerated slow, flat-footed walking). If anyone runs, they go back to the start. After the game, discuss why we have this rule at real pools.
2
Direct Instruction: Cause & Effect (10 mins)
Use the slides to explain that every rule has a "Why."
Rule / Cause
Running on wet tile...
Diving in 3 feet of water...
Pushing a friend...
Result / Effect
...leads to slipping and falling.
...leads to hitting the bottom/head injury.
...leads to them being scared or hurt.
3
Simulation: Peer Patrol Roleplay (10 mins)
Have students turn to a partner. Partner A pretends to run toward a "imaginary pool." Partner B must gently stop them and give the "Rule + Reason."
"Wait! Please walk, the floor is slippery and you might fall!"
4
Worksheet: Safety Detective Log (10 mins)
Students complete the matching activity to connect pool rules with their specific safety outcomes.
Patrol Tip
"Remind students that being a 'Pool Patrol' isn't about being bossy—it's about being a good friend who wants everyone to stay safe and keep having fun."
Safety Detective Log Safety Detective Log
Junior Lifeguard Academy | Module 3
Agent Name:
The Why Behind the Rule
Detectives! Draw a line to connect each Pool Rule to its Safety Reason .
"Walk, Don't Run"
"No Diving in Shallow Water"
"Look Before You Leap"
"No Pushing or Shoving"
So you don't hit your head on the bottom.
So you don't slip on the wet tiles.
So you don't accidentally land on a friend.
So nobody falls in when they aren't ready.
Patrol Observation
Scenario: You see your friend Leo starting to run toward the diving board. The floor is covered in water. What do you say to him?
I used a kind voice I gave a safety reason
Junior Guard Patrol Certified
Wild Water Slides Wild Water
Junior Lifeguard Academy: Module 4
Pool vs. Nature
The Pool
✨ Clear water (can see the bottom)
✨ Flat, even floors
✨ Still water (no moving)
✨ Controlled temperature
"Wild" Water
🌫️ Murky water (hidden objects)
⛰️ Rocks, drop-offs, and mud
🌊 Moving currents and waves
❄️ Sudden cold water
Hidden Hazards
🌀
Currents
Moving water that can pull you away from shore.
🪨
Visibility
Murky water hides sharp rocks, logs, or trash.
📉
Drop-offs
The ground might suddenly disappear under your feet.
Temperature Shock
Gasp Reflex
Natural water is often much colder than the air. When you jump into cold water, your body might "gasp" (inhale quickly).
Lifeguard Secret:
Always enter natural water slowly to let your body get used to the cold!
The Ocean Rule
🌊 👤
"Never Turn Your Back on the Ocean"
Waves can come in big sets. If you aren't looking, a wave can knock you down or pull you out before you're ready.
Wild Water Teacher Guide Wild Water Hazards
Teacher Guide | Lesson 4
Grade Level
2nd
Learning Objectives
Compare the safety features of a pool to the hazards of natural water.
Identify "hidden" hazards like murky water, currents, and uneven bottoms.
Describe the "gasp reflex" and how to enter cold water safely.
Materials Needed
Wild Water Slides
One clear bowl of water
One bowl of water with dark food coloring (murky demo)
Hidden items (toy car, rock, etc.) for demo
Hazard Mapper Worksheet
Lesson Instructions
1
Demo: The Murky Mystery (10 mins)
Place a toy car or rock in the bottom of both bowls.
Ask: "In which bowl is it safer to step? Why?" Explain that in lakes and rivers, we often can't see the bottom. This means there could be sharp rocks, deep holes, or trash that we can't see.
2
Direct Instruction: Moving Water (10 mins)
Use the slides to explain Currents . Use the analogy of a treadmill: the water is moving, and even if you stand still, you will be carried along.
Safety Rule: Feet First!
Always enter natural water feet first. This allows you to feel for the bottom and check for drop-offs or rocks without hitting your head.
3
Worksheet: Hazard Mapper (15 mins)
Hand out the Hazard Mapper Worksheet . Students will look at an illustration of a lake and ocean and "X" out the hidden dangers based on what they've learned (murky spots, waves, rocks).
4
Final Comparison (5 mins)
"Why do we need a life jacket more in a lake than in a small swimming pool?" (Discuss currents, distance to shore, and visibility).
Local Context
"If you live near a specific body of water (e.g., a specific river or a coast), mention its name. It makes the safety rules feel more 'real' to the students."
Hazard Mapper Worksheet Hazard Mapper
Junior Lifeguard Academy | Module 4
Name:
1. Spot the Dangers
Below are two "wild" water scenes. Look closely and draw an "X" over every hazard you can find!
Scene A: The Lake
⛰️
🪨
🌀
Murky Water
📉
Scene B: The Ocean
🌊
🌊
🦀
☀️
RIP CURRENT
True or False?
Natural water is always warm like a pool. F
A "Rip Current" can pull you away from shore. T
Murky water makes it easy to see rocks. F
Lifeguard Tip
Finish the rule below:
"Never turn your back on the ________________"
"Always enter natural water FEET FIRST to stay safe!"
Safety Reach Slides Safe Rescue Heroes
Junior Lifeguard Academy: Module 5
The Hero's Choice
If you see a friend struggling in the water, what is the MOST IMPORTANT thing to remember?
DON'T GO IN!
If you jump in, your friend might accidentally pull you under too. To save them, you must stay on land!
The Protocol
REACH
Use a pole, a towel, or a branch. Lie flat on your belly and reach out to them.
THROW
Throw something that floats, like a life ring, a jug, or even a soccer ball!
Call for Backup
911
Call an Emergency Operator.
Yell for a Lifeguard or Adult.
Stay where you can see the person.
Yell Loudly!
"HELP! HELP! I NEED A WATER WATCHER!"
Academy Graduation
You have completed the Junior Lifeguard Academy. You now know how to watch, how to float, and how to help safely.
Mission Accomplished
Safe Rescue Heroes Teacher Guide Safe Rescue Heroes
Teacher Guide | Lesson 5
Grade Level
2nd
Learning Objectives
Demonstrate the "Reach or Throw, Don't Go" protocol.
Explain the danger of entering the water to rescue someone.
Identify everyday objects that can be used for a reach or throw rescue.
Commit to the Academy "Safe Swimmer" Code of Conduct.
Materials Needed
Safety Reach Slides
Rescue Hero Plan (Worksheet/Certificate)
Simulation props: Pool noodle (reach), Ball/empty jug (throw), Blue blanket (river)
Lesson Instructions
1
The Carpet River Challenge (Hook) (10 mins)
Lay a blue blanket or tape a line on the floor to represent the "water bank." Place a stuffed animal in the "river."
Challenge: Challenge students to "save" the animal without their feet touching the blue blanket. Let them experiment with reaching with their hands (often too short) versus using a broom or pool noodle.
2
Direct Instruction: Reach or Throw (10 mins)
REACH: Lie flat on your stomach so you don't get pulled in. Reach out with a long object (noodle, towel, pole).
THROW: If they are too far to reach, throw something that floats (ball, ring, milk jug). This gives them something to hold onto while waiting for an adult.
WHY DON'T WE GO IN?
Explain that a drowning person is panicked and will grab onto anything—including you—and pull you under. You are most helpful on the bank!
3
Worksheet: Rescue Hero Plan (15 mins)
Students complete the **Rescue Hero Plan**. They sequence the steps (1. Yell for help, 2. Reach/Throw) and then read/sign their "Safe Swimmer Code of Conduct" to graduate.
4
Graduation Ceremony (5 mins)
Call students up one by one to receive their signed "Code of Conduct." Let them do a special "Lifeguard Salute" (hand over brow as if looking at water).
Emergency Backup
"Reinforce that calling 911 or yelling for an adult is the very first step. A second-grader should never try to perform a rescue without an adult on the way."
Rescue Hero Plan Graduation Rescue Hero Plan
Junior Lifeguard Academy | Module 5
Name:
1. Rescue Steps
Number these actions from 1 to 4 in the correct order for a safe rescue.
REACH with a pole or THROW something that floats.
YELL as loud as you can for a Lifeguard or Adult.
STAY where you can see the person in the water.
Wait for the adult to take over. DO NOT JUMP IN.
Safe Swimmer Code
Official Academy Oath
I will never swim alone and always have a Water Watcher.
I will wear a life jacket on boats and in open water.
I will follow all pool rules to protect the fun.
I will reach or throw , but I will never go in .
Junior Lifeguard Signature
Authorized Graduate