Swimming Pool Games
No summer is complete without competitive games in the swimming pool. These classic games are fun and safe for both children and adults to enjoy all season long.
Marco Polo
Marco Polo is a long-time favorite of swimmers everywhere. One player closes their eyes and calls out “Marco” as they try to find the other players. Other swimmers must respond with “Polo” and try to avoid the “it” player. Once a player is captured, they become “Marco” and the game starts over.
Sharks & Minnows
This game is a little more advanced, and should be reserved for older children and adults or strong swimmers. The players line up on one side of the pool, with the “shark” players in the middle of the water. On the count of three, the “minnows” dive into the water and must swim from their side of the pool to the other. The sharks can only tag the minnows when any part of their body is above water. Once tagged, a minnow becomes a shark and can tag other players. For younger players, you can establish safe zones throughout the pool for them to catch their breath.
Octopus
To play Octopus, choose one player to be “it” and have the other players line up on one side of the pool. Once they’re chosen, players must swim from one side to the other without being tagged. If they’re tagged, they hold hands with the “it” player until there’s only one player left and the game starts over.
Treasure Hunt
Treasure Hunt can be played with a variety of sinkable objects, including coins, seashells, or rocks. The items are scattered across the pool, and players must swim to the bottom and collect as many items as they can before the time is up. The player with the most items at the end of the round is the winner.
These games are fun and safe for swimmers of all age. So get out there and enjoy the summer with your friends and family.