Water Safety Instructor (WSI) Practice Exam

When a student shows distress during water activities, the instructor's first priority is to assess the situation and provide appropriate support. This involves carefully observing the student's behavior to determine the cause of their distress, whether it be fear, fatigue, or a lack of understanding of the skill being taught. By assessing the situation, the instructor can address the underlying issues effectively and offer reassurance, positive reinforcement, and tailored assistance.

Providing appropriate support might include offering additional explanations, demonstrating techniques, or adjusting the lesson to better suit the student's needs. This focused approach not only helps the student feel safer and more confident but also promotes a positive learning environment, which is essential for skill development in water safety and swimming.

Responses that involve ignoring distress or increasing competition are counterproductive and can exacerbate the student's fear or anxiety. Moreover, promoting a change to a higher level of class without addressing their distress does not help the student to build the confidence or skills needed to progress. Therefore, the most effective strategy is to assess and support the student in a sensitive and constructive manner.