Video Resources (3): Drowning / Rescued from Drowning 1

My pupils often had problems developing their stories about drowning or near-drowning accidents. The lack of information and (thank goodness!) personal experience makes it difficult for pupils to elaborate and develop the content of their compositions realistically.

After scouring the internet for suitable videos (no bikini-clad images...) and resources, the following video shows an actual lifeguard rescue of a little girl, who had fallen from her huge ring float, after the wave pool function was activated. 

The girl (right-hand side of video) falls from her ring at 0:29.

'Wavepool Lifeguard Rescue', 29 Apr 2013, by Lifeguard Rescue, YouTube

On a Personal Note:
Before we go into the dynamics of writing a composition related to drowning or near-drowning, I would like to emphasise the importance of observing water safety procedures and rules. 

Singapore being a tropical island, we often succumb to the inviting waters at our beaches and pools for a temporary respite from the suffocating heat. I love to swim too. But do bear in mind that if we are not strong swimmers, we stay near the edge or at the shallow ends. If we are good swimmers, we stay alert (and away from any form of sedation or alcoholic drinks) when entering the water. If we have children with us, they are our priority and everything else can and must wait.

Too many tragedies have occurred because of negligence and such tragedies can (most often) be avoided.

I also feel the need to applaud the hard work of vigilant lifeguards who keep watch tirelessly under the scorching sun. Thank you!


Now, back to work.

1) Can you think of of words related to the events occurring in the video? 

You might want to brainstorm according to the nouns, then verbs, then adjectives / adverbs you think might be applicable.

For example:

Nouns - swimming pool, children, ring floats...
Verbs - screaming, playing, splashing...
Adjectives - large blue, clear, inviting, cool, scorching, slippery
Adverbs - happily, mischievously, frantically..


2) If you are given a picture composition and the picture is a still of this video at 0:29 (the moment the girl falls into the water), what are some of the sentences or phrases or ideas you can think of after watching the events unfold in the video?

For this activity, try to organize your thoughts and brainstorm for relevant ideas chronologically. Remember that you can always imagine how the story may unfold. The above video clip can provide you loads of ideas for the main part your writing. You'll still need to firm up ideas for the beginning and concluding part of the composition.



This post supplements 
- 'Video Resources (4): Drowning / Rescued from Drowning 2'
- 'Selected Reading Material 4:Drowning / Rescued from Drowning'