Search and Rescue Line Sweep
Teams learn the line search technique used by search and rescue crews: moving forward in a straight line about an arm's length apart to sweep an area and find hidden objects. They compare a free search with an organized one to see why coordination works better.
How to play
- Use cones to mark 4 areas of about 30 x 20 yards on grass or dirt and hide 15 colored clothespins in each, some partly hidden. Form 4 teams of 6 (2 min).
- Free search (3 min): each team searches its area however it wants. Count the clothespins found and hide them again in new spots.
- Explain the line sweep (2 min): the team lines up about 5 feet apart, a line leader in a pinnie at one end, moving slowly and scanning the ground side to side.
- Organized sweep (5 min): the team covers its area in parallel passes. Whoever spots a clothespin calls "Stop!", the whole line freezes, the item is picked up, and the leader blows the whistle to continue.
- Compare results and time between the free search and the sweep. Then teams switch areas and repeat the sweep with a new line leader (6 min).
Rules
- During the sweep, no one gets ahead or falls behind: the line moves at the pace of the slowest person.
- Only the line leader gives the commands to move and turn.
- Safety: walk, don't run, and make sure the area has no holes or dangerous objects.
Variations
Easier
Use brightly colored clothespins in a smaller 20 x 15-yard area.
Standard
Fifteen clothespins per area, some partly hidden, and two sweep rounds.
Harder
Hide green clothespins in the grass and run the sweep in silence, using only the line leader's signals.
Adaptations
- Wheelchair users: line leader from the end on the firmest ground, or timekeeper.
- Deaf or hard of hearing: the leader raises an arm to stop and lowers it to go.
- Lower fitness: no time pressure; faster students hide the clothespins for the other team.
Learning goals
- Apply an organized group search technique.
- Coordinate movement with teammates by following commands.
- Understand the value of teamwork in rescue situations.
Equipment for a class of 25
- cones: 16
- clothespins: 60
- whistles: 4
- pinnies: 4
Teacher tip
The comparison between free search and the sweep is the key: post both results on a whiteboard where everyone can see. Check the area beforehand for glass or rocks.
PatioLab has "Search and Rescue Line Sweep" and 2499 more activities ready to drag into your lesson and run from your phone in the gym.
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