Which practice helps ensure a structured swimming lesson?

Following a prepared lesson plan is essential for ensuring a structured swimming lesson. A well-defined lesson plan outlines the objectives, content, and progression of the lessons, allowing both the instructor and the students to understand what will be covered. This structured approach helps to maintain consistency, enhance the learning experience, and ensure that all necessary skills are taught in a logical sequence.

Having a lesson plan enables instructors to allocate time effectively, introduce skills progressively, and gauge students' understanding and comfort levels. It also provides flexibility in adapting the lesson as needed, based on the specific needs of the students while still adhering to a defined framework. This balance between structure and adaptability is crucial for effective teaching and learning in swimming.

The other practices mentioned do not promote structure in the same way. Starting lessons without a plan can lead to disorganization, while incorporating random activities can confuse students and prevent them from learning key skills. Limiting instruction to basic floating does not encompass the broader range of skills necessary for comprehensive swimming education.