Bonfire Night Fun in the Pool: Creative Lesson Ideas for Swimming Teachers
As Bonfire Night approaches, why not bring the sparkle, excitement, and teamwork of the celebrations into your swimming lessons? Themed sessions are a fantastic way to keep swimmers engaged, encourage skill development, and add a little festive magic to your regular routine.
Here are four bonfire-themed swimming activities that work brilliantly for learners of all ages and abilities.
1. Rocket Ships
Theme: Fireworks shooting through the sky!
How to Play:
- Swimmers perform a push and glide from the wall, travelling as far as possible.
- Once they’ve stopped gliding, they add a streamlined kick to continue their journey.
- Perform a log roll through 180 degrees and stand up once movement stops.
- Repeat and check the distance travelled — can they go further each time?
Tips:
- Make it easier: A partner can help the swimmer regain standing position or allow an extra kick to boost propulsion.
- Make it harder: Try using different leg actions such as breaststroke or dolphin kick!
This game reinforces good body position, streamlining, and balance — all key foundations for efficient swimming.
2. Rockets in Space
Theme: Shooting star fireworks gliding through space.
How to Play:
- Swimmers perform a push and glide as far as they can without rolling or taking a breath.
- They must stand up only once they stop moving.
- Repeat and check for improvements in both distance and technique.
Why it works:
This simple yet effective drill encourages swimmers to maintain strong streamlining and breath control. You’ll see improvements in glide efficiency, posture, and core engagement — all while keeping the fun, space-themed vibe alive.
3. Build a Bonfire
Theme: Gather your sticks and build the biggest, brightest bonfire!
How to Play:
- Place a large floating mat in the middle of the pool — this is your bonfire base.
- Scatter pool equipment (such as noodles, floats, and toys) around the pool.
- Swimmers collect equipment and pile it up on their mat to “build the bonfire.”
- Noodles can be sticks, floats can be logs — how high can your group build it?
Tips:
- Great for younger swimmers as a teamwork challenge.
- For older swimmers, make it a relay race to collect items faster!
This activity encourages cooperation, confidence in moving through water, and basic swimming and balance skills — all while creating a splashy bonfire masterpiece.
4. Dynamite Game
Theme: The bonfire is about to go bang!
How to Play:
- Swimmers stand or tread water in a circle.
- Hand out a “stick of dynamite” (a sinker stick) to pass around.
- When the teacher shouts “Bang!”, the swimmer holding the dynamite must drop it and swim or run around the circle.
- The next swimmer picks up the dynamite and continues passing it.
- The runner must return to their space before the dynamite completes the circle!
Tips:
- Add a second “stick of dynamite” to make it trickier and increase excitement.
- Great for developing awareness, reaction speed, and treading water skills.
These bonfire-themed swimming games develop essential aquatic skills, including balance, propulsion, breath control, and teamwork. Plus, themed lessons help create a positive, memorable learning environment that keeps swimmers coming back for more.