Head and Shoulder Submersion

Head and Shoulder Submersion  #

Introduction  #

The Head and Shoulder Submersion skill develops Breath Control CompetencyBreath Control CompetencyBreath Control Competency is the knowledge, skill, and experience necessary to breathe effectively in a controlled manner without using excessive energy, interfering with other movements, or compromising body position while in the water. Physical abilities associated with this competency include the physical exchange of air and keeping the body in a position at the surface so that the exchange of air can occur. Cognitive abilities include determining when to breathe and when to hold the breath. Affective abilities include responding to stimuli and situations in a calm manner with the face both above and below the surface of the water. and Underwater CompetencyUnderwater CompetencyUnderwater Competency is the knowledge, skill, and experience necessary to submerge and control buoyancy to travel and negotiate hazards underwater. Physical abilities associated with this competency include being able to use the limbs to propel, to control and hold the breath, and to control and change body position and direction. Cognitive abilities include understanding position and orientation in three-dimensional space, to understand the relationship between breathing and buoyancy, to monitor and compare one’s current position to surrounding objects, and to plan navigation paths. Performing tasks underwater also requires being able to cope with depth, pressure, and reduced visibility. . Head and Shoulder Submersion requires the student to submerge completely underwater, briefly hold their breath, and then resurface. This teaches students to be relaxed underwater, control their breath, and to return to the surface without panic. Being comfortable with their whole body and head under the water is an important skill should the student become unintentionally submerged. The ability to submerge and resurface comfortably is a component of other aquatic skills such as Stationary Bobs, Traveling Bobs, and other underwater skills.

Description  #

The Head and Shoulder Submersion skill is defined by the following body posturePostureThe particular way the body is held while doing an activity. Mobility specialists define posture as the way you position your body or arrange your limbs, such as “to stand up straight with your shoulders back and your chin up.” , arm formsFormThe visible shape or configuration of something. Mobility specialists define form as an arrangement of the elements in a composition; the way something (or someone) is shaped or arranged. , leg forms, breathing, and timing characteristics and features.

Head and Shoulder Submersion Description  #

This skill may be performed using the pool bottom, deck, wall, or instructor for support.

Body

  1. Body positioned vertically
  2. Hands away from face; does not cover mouth, does not hold or plug nose

Submersion sequence

  1. Start with head above surface
  2. Fully submerge head
  3. Hold breath while submerged
  4. Return head above surface

Timing

  1. Perform one submersion
Head and Shoulder Submersion Demonstration  #

[Captions]

Assessment  #

Scoring  #

The following scoring rubricScoring rubricA guide that includes rating scales and descriptions of one or more criteria used to evaluate the performance of a skill. lists the gradients of key requirements and deficiencies that provide an overall description of different competence levels. A single score is assigned based on the instructor’s judgment of the student’s performance.

Head and Shoulder Submersion Scoring Rubric  #

1

Exhibits any of the following:

  • Does not submerge mouth and nose

2

Performs all of the following:

  • Submerges mouth and nose

Exhibits any of the following:

  • Does not fully submerge head and shoulders
  • Covers mouth or holds nose

3

Performs all of the following:

  • Fully submerges head
  • Keeps hands from covering mouth or holding nose

Exhibits any of the following:

  • Does not remain submerged for 5 seconds
  • Does not maintain a mostly vertical position
  • Does not hold breath while submerged

4

Performs all of the following:

  • Fully submerges head for 5 seconds
  • Maintains a mostly vertical body position
  • Keeps hands from covering mouth or holding nose
  • Holds breath while submerged