Skills:

Physical: Controlled water entry, balance, core stability
Cognitive: Sequencing
Social: Group play, confidence

Number of participants:

2 or more

Equipment:

Poolside edge

Description:

Swimmers sit on the pool edge (“Humpty Dumpty sat on a wall”). On the cue “Humpty Dumpty had a great fall,” swimmers gently slide or tip into the water in a controlled seated entry. They resurface independently and return to the wall. Continue the rhyme or repeat for more practice.

Wheelchair friendly?

Yes

Adaptations for Wheelchair Users:

  • Assisted transfer to seated pool edge with controlled slide entry

  • Use of pool lift followed by independent resurfacing practice

  • In-water supported “tip and recover” practice using buoyancy belt

  • Dryland seated balance and sequencing practice to simulate entry cues

Modifications to make the activity easier:

Change the equipment:

  • Use shallow water

  • Instructor positioned directly in front for support

Change the task:

  • Slow slide entry instead of tip

  • Hold instructor’s hands

  • Immediate wall grab after entry

Modifications to make the activity harder:

Change the equipment:

  • Perform in deeper water

  • Increase return distance to wall

Change the task:

  • Progress to kneeling or crouch entry

  • Combine entry with glide away from wall

Goal examples:

  • I will slide into the water by myself.

  • I will put my face in the water when I fall in.

Activity adapted from video above.