Summer is just around the corner and with it comes longer days, outdoor gatherings with groups of family or friends, and (hopefully) some quality water time at the lake, backyard pool or water park.
Here are some ideas from Foss Swim School to make the most of your water time this summer!
First: A water safety refresher
When lots of people, especially kids, get together near water, make sure everyone in the area agrees to the same rules.
As a top-line reminder:
-Parents are responsible: Supervise kids closely and turn off the phone.
-No one swims alone.
-Kids must get permission to enter the water – not just telling, they must make eye contact with an adult who says “yes.”
-Gather kids and parents and confirm their swimming ability before entering the water.
-Rotate supervision duty among adults.
Create a Water Watcher tag to make it easy to know who is on duty, and to make sure people know when they have been handed responsibility.
The fun part: Games in the water
In no particular order:
Marco Polo: The classic game for pool or lake in standing-depth water. One person is “it” and is blindfolded (or closes their eyes) and when they call “Marco” everyone else replies “polo.” The person who is it tries to locate and tag a player using sound. Once tagged, the player moves to the side – the last player standing wins and becomes it.
Sharks and Minnows: Good for larger groups in shallow water where the ends of the field can be designated with floats or flags. One person starts as the shark, everyone else lines up on one end as minnows. On command, the minnows try to make it across the play area without getting tagged. Once they are tagged, they become sharks. If they make it to safety, they have to go across again. The last minnow wins!
Chicken Fights: Good for older kids in lakes or large pools where there aren’t concrete edges to fall against. In waist-deep water, one player climbs on the other’s shoulders and they joust. Whoever stays up wins. It can be arranged as a tournament.
Air Ball: The classic beach ball game – players stand in a circle and try to keep a beach ball from touching the water. Try a sturdy balloon to give you more air-time.
Of course, there are dozens of games you could play, but we hope these favorites of ours inspire you to get out there and enjoy the water this Summer! Have fun and be safe!
©Foss Swim School 2020. Reprinted with permission from Foss Swim School.
