Name

Police and Baddies

Core Skill

The core skill of “Police and Baddies” is to enhance swimmers’ confidence and proficiency in basic swimming techniques such as front and back glides, underwater submersion, and unsupported floats. This game also encourages imaginative play and teamwork.

Who

This game is suitable for swimmers in Guppies, Level 1, and Level 2. It can be adapted for older swimmers, but the novelty may diminish for those aged 5, 6, and 7.

What

In “Police and Baddies,” swimmers choose to be either a police officer or a baddie. The police officers receive a “phone call” from the instructor about a baddie causing trouble, such as stealing a toy or leaving stinky farts in the pool. The police must capture the baddie by performing a specific swim skill. Baddies plan a heist or caper with the instructor and try to complete it without getting caught, also by performing a swim skill.

How

1. Introduction: Announce the game and explain the roles. Each swimmer chooses to be either Policeperson [Name] or Baddie [Name].
2. Role Play:
   • Police: Pretend to receive a call from the instructor about a baddie. The police must perform a front or back glide, or walk in shallow water, to capture the baddie by completing a swim skill like kissing the water or putting their face in the water. Once captured, they return the baddie to “jail” (starting bench) with a triumphant celebration.
   • Baddies: Plan a heist with the instructor. They perform a front or back glide with support, or walk in shallow water, to a location and complete a swim skill appropriate for their level, such as going underwater or doing an unsupported back float for 3 seconds. If successful, they return with a “stolen” item.
3. Rotation: Ensure everyone gets a turn in both roles. Facilitate pretend play while guiding skill learning.

Difficulties Instructors Might Face

1. Maintaining Engagement: Younger swimmers may lose interest quickly. Keep the game dynamic and exciting by varying the scenarios and swim skills.
2. Skill Appropriateness: Tailoring swim skills to each swimmer’s ability can be challenging. Prepare a range of skills in advance to match different levels.
3. Role Play Balance: Some swimmers might prefer one role over the other. Encourage everyone to try both roles to develop a well-rounded skill set.
4. Safety: Ensure that all activities are safe and that swimmers are supervised closely, especially when performing skills like underwater submersion.

This game is designed to be fun and educational, blending imaginative play with essential swimming skills. Enjoy playing “Police and Baddies” with your swimmers! 🏊‍♂️🚓🏊‍♀️

Name

Police and Baddies: Advanced Edition

Core Skill

Enhance advanced swimming techniques, endurance, and strategic thinking. This version focuses on more complex swim skills and teamwork.

Who

This adaptation is suitable for swimmers aged 8 and above, including those in higher levels or competitive swim teams.

What

In “Police and Baddies: Advanced Edition,” swimmers still choose to be either a police officer or a baddie, but the tasks and skills required are more challenging. The police officers receive a “phone call” about a baddie causing more sophisticated trouble, such as stealing a valuable item or sabotaging the pool. The police must capture the baddie by performing advanced swim skills. Baddies plan more elaborate heists and must complete them without getting caught, also by performing advanced swim skills.

How

1. Introduction: Announce the game and explain the roles. Each swimmer chooses to be either Policeperson [Name] or Baddie [Name].
2. Role Play:
   • Police: Pretend to receive a call from the instructor about a baddie. The police must perform advanced swim skills such as:
     • Freestyle sprint to a location.
     • Underwater swim for a certain distance.
     • Butterfly or breaststroke to capture the baddie.
     • Retrieve an object from the bottom of the pool. Once captured, they return the baddie to “jail” (starting bench) with a triumphant celebration.
   • Baddies: Plan a heist with the instructor. They perform advanced swim skills such as:
     • Freestyle or backstroke sprint to a location.
     • Underwater swim to avoid detection.
     • Perform a flip turn or dive to complete their caper.
     • Retrieve an object from the bottom of the pool and return with it.
3. Rotation: Ensure everyone gets a turn in both roles. Facilitate pretend play while guiding skill learning.

Difficulties Instructors Might Face

1. Skill Level Variation: Older swimmers may have varying skill levels. Prepare a range of advanced skills to match different abilities.
2. Maintaining Engagement: Older swimmers might need more complex scenarios to stay engaged. Introduce new challenges and variations regularly.
3. Safety: Ensure all activities are safe and that swimmers are supervised closely, especially when performing advanced skills like underwater swims and flip turns.
4. Role Play Balance: Some swimmers might prefer one role over the other. Encourage everyone to try both roles to develop a well-rounded skill set.

By increasing the complexity and introducing new challenges, “Police and Baddies: Advanced Edition” can remain engaging and beneficial for older swimmers. Enjoy the game! 🏊‍♂️🚓🏊‍♀️

PS: it is exceptionally difficult to find a picture of a police person and a baddie with no guns! Why?!