Some children are quite content to make their own fun in the swimming pool, but others might need some encouragement or risk getting bored. So here’s Nine ways you can make swimming more interesting for your kids.
1. Play the mirror game
The mirror game can be played by everyone. First, get into twos and stand opposite each other. One of you does an action and your partner has to try and copy it, just like you are looking in a mirror. You can try pulling faces, swimming side to side, dipping underwater and lots more. Swap over after a couple of minutes and keep taking it in turns.
2. Practice swimming underwater
The underwater bridge game is a great way to practice swimming underwater. Stand in a star shape creating a ‘bridge’ with your legs wide. Let your kids try to swim through your legs. If they find it easy, try two people standing with their legs open and see if they can swim through both.
3. Balance on floats
4. Pretend to be deep sea divers
Drop a weight into the pool and time how long it takes your children to retrieve it. Some pools will have weights by the poolside, or you can use pennies as an alternative.
5. Race each other
Sometimes the simplest games are the best. Racing lengths or widths of the pool can provide lots of fun, no equipment required.
6. Practice synchronized swimming routines
Teach your children simple moves, such as twirls or handstands and then let them create their own routines to perform in the pool.
7. Play Marco Polo
This classic game is fun to play in a pair or in groups. One player stands in the pool with their eyes closed (or wearing a blindfold) – they are ‘it’. If this player shouts ‘Marco!’ all other players have to shout ‘Polo!’ The first player then tries to catch all of the other players, if they catch you, you become ‘it’.
8. Create an underwater world
9. Play 'Simon says'
'Simon says' can be a great way to help your children gain strength and improve their technique and confidence in the water. Give instructions such as 'Simon says "do a handstand"' or 'Simon says "float on your back"' and occasionally miss out the 'Simon says' part. If the children do the instructions when you've not said 'Simon says' they are out.
Credit to Nuffield Health website.
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