This engaging KS3 Water Safety lesson helps Year 8 students understand the hazards and hidden risks associated with open water environments, including rivers, lakes, canals and the sea. Through interactive activities, quizzes, video learning and scenario-based discussions, students explore how to stay safe around water, learn about the dangers of cold-water shock, and develop an understanding of the RNLI's lifesaving Float to Live technique. The lesson also reinforces how to respond safely in a water-related emergency and how to seek help without putting themselves at risk. This resource was created by Staffordshire Fire and Rescue Service.
How To Use
This 60-minute lesson is designed to be delivered by a class teacher and uses a combination of quizzes, facilitated discussion, video content and scenario-based activities to engage young people in water safety learning. Practitioners can use the lesson to explore local water risks, challenge misconceptions about water safety, discuss the impact of peer influence on risk-taking behaviour, and teach the RNLI's Float to Live message. The accompanying resources, including quiz sheets, scenario cards and the Float to Live video, support interactive delivery and encourage students to apply their learning to real-life situations. The lesson provides opportunities for discussion, reflection and assessment while promoting safer behaviours around open water.
The associated resources needed for this session can be found below.