Splash Through Those Summer Blues!

It may sound crazy, but in a lot of cases, it’s true. Children are out of school for the summer and what should be the happiest and most exciting time for your kids, can quickly turn to the dreaded “I’m bored” talk. Of course, as parents, the last thing you want to see during the beautiful weather are your kids huddled around the TV 7 hours a day!

Over the last 20 years, childhood obesity rates are continuously increasing, especially in the United States where nearly one in three children is overweight or obese. How can this be fought? It is highly suggested that children get at least 60 minutes of physical activity per day. So why not use those 60 minutes swimming and splashing around in the pool this summer?

A swimming pool provides the perfect resource for getting your kids to exercise this summer! Kids love to play in the water, and while they’ll be too busy enjoying the water they won’t even realize that they are also getting a great workout at the same time; not only this, swimming tires you out, which often leads to naps!! Bonus for the parents!

Here are some entertaining pool games to keep your children entertained this summer:

1. 1. Put together a scavenger hunt for the pool. There are several pool toys that float or sink; Throw these items in the pool while your children are distracted, and ask them to swim, dive, and float to retrieve everything. The kids will get tons of exercise and will have a blast while doing it!

1. 1. Get a few relay races in the pool for a fun workout. Have the kids jump into the pool, locate some rings, paddle on a float and swim in and out of pool noodles. The winner is the first person to touch the other side of the pool, following the completion of all the obstacles.

1. Have your children make their own whirlpool. Line the kids up along the inside edge of the pool. Have them move in a clockwise direction for a couple of minutes. This will make the water’s current flow strong enough to push them along. When you give the signal, have them turn around and try to swim in the opposite direction. This will take some effort as going against the resistance is great for your muscles!  For safety purposes, this should only be attempted in an in-ground or above ground pool; inflatable pools can cause injury if the sides collapse.

The nice part about this is that you don’t need expensive toys or pool equipment – pool noodles, rings, and a beach ball will work perfectly. The most important thing to remember of course is that children should never swim alone in a pool without adult supervision. Always reinforce pool safety with children at all times.

Interested in learning more about Blue Diamond Pools & Landscaping?

Get in touch with our team for more information on how we can provide you and your kids with the perfect summer retreat!

Call us in Barrie at 705-726-3403.