Swimmies

In honor of SHARK WEEK, I thought I'd post about swimming and water safety. As a not-so-great-swimmer ( I failed swimming lessons as a kid), I am the first to admit I am not so comfortable in the water. How about you? Are you a little fish or a timid dog paddler?

In search of local swimming lessons, because you are never too old to learn, I found this great site that allows you to search for lessons in your area. You can look for infant, adult and child classes. Also, you can search for private, group or semi-private lessons.

While you are at the pool, try playing one of these fun pool games. Everyone remembers Marco Polo, right? The person deemed "it" closes their eyes and calls out Marco, the other players respond by yelling polo. "Marco" uses the sounds of their voices to try to find them in the pool!

You could also play Sharks and Minnows (also called Submarines and Battleships). One person is the Shark and all others are the minnows. The minnows must get from one side of the pool to the other without getting tagged by the shark. The last person across without being tagged wins!

Compliments of Kids Health, here are some great tips to ensure and safe and happy summer at the pool, beach or any other large body of water:

• Always have an adult watch you when you are in the pool — even in your own backyard. Never go in the pool if there is no adult around.
• Gates are around pools for a reason — to keep kids away from the water when there isn't a lifeguard or adult around to watch them. Never go through any pool gates when they are closed. Stay safe and stay out!
• Swim with a buddy.
• Walk slowly in the pool area. Don't run.
• Don't push or jump on others. You could accidentally hurt someone or yourself.
• Toys to help you float come in many shapes and sizes (an inner tube, air mattress, or beach ball, for example). Although they are fun and can help you while you learn to swim, what they can't do is save a life. They're toys that can lose air or float away.
• Don't chew gum or eat while you swim — you could choke.