The Lifeguard's Obstacle Course

Kids are lifeguards who must rescue sponge-fish from a basin and bring them to “first aid” by getting through a course: jumping the rope river, stepping into hoop islands, and crawling under a stretched towel. It practices jumping, crawling, and balance through a pretend rescue game.

How to play

1. The teacher tells the story: the sponge-fish are stuck on the shore and we lifeguards must carry them back; we walk the course together (3 min).
2. First lap without a sponge: we jump the rope river, step into the hoop islands, and crawl under the towel held up by two cones or two adults (3 min).
3. Now we rescue: grab a sponge, do the course holding it, and drop it in the basin at the finish (4 min).
4. Tricky rescue: the sponge rides on our head through the islands and under our arm while crawling (3 min).
5. Last rescue in pairs: both carry one big sponge together and wait for each other at every obstacle (2 min).
6. The lifeguards lie in the shade, put the cool sponge on the back of their neck, and breathe slowly (1 min).

Rules

• I do the course in order and don't pass at the obstacles.
• I leave space for the child in front.
• I jump the river, I don't step in it.
• If the ground is wet, I walk instead of running.

Variations

Adaptations

• Limited mobility: an alternate course on firm ground, with flat hoops to go around and the towel raised high to roll under.
• Visual impairment: a guide buddy and obstacles marked with thick ropes they can feel underfoot.
• Autism: a drawing of the course with the obstacle order, always starting at the same one.

Learning goals

• Link jumping, crawling, and balance in one course.
• Respect order and classmates' space.
• Learn through play what a lifeguard does and how to stay safe near water.

Equipment for a class of 25

• Large sponges: 12
• Hoops: 6
• Large beach towel: 2
• Ropes: 3
• Shallow basin: 2
• Cones: 6

Teacher tip

Set up the course on grass or sand, never near an unsupervised pool or fountain. Use the story to talk about always being with an adult at the beach or pool. The towel is usually the bottleneck: put it last.

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