Marco? Polo! Marco? Polo!

Each time I hear those words, I can’t help but want to find the nearest pool to dip into. It’s summer; mostly likely just as blazing hot for you as it is for me. The pool becomes an instant best friend! You can absolutely hit the pool and “dive” into swimming laps, but how about making a “splash” with some fun, active water games? Here are 5 ideas:

1. Marco? Polo! Yes, I referenced it in the beginning, but Marco Polo is a classic! It’s simple, too (in case you forgot how to play). It’s a game of tag. The “it” person is Marco. Marco closes his/her eyes on one end of the pool, counts to 10 or 15 (while the other people disperse on the other end of the pool) and with eyes still closed yells, “Marco?” All the other people yell, “Polo!” The goal is for Marco (with eyes closed whole time) to “catch” one of the people yelling ‘Polo’ in the pool!
2. Volleyball. This game will be easiest to setup if you are at your own pool or a private pool. Set up a net to go across the pool. Pick teams and play a game of volleyball like you would on land, hard ground or sand. Hint: Because it’s harder to move quickly in the water, you may want to use a lighter ball that will flow through the air at a slower pace!
3. Contests. You can play “contest” water games, and let your inner competitive aqua emerge! Head to the deep end and see who can tread water the longest, or see who can do the most water somersaults in one minute. There are hundreds of various contests you could do to enjoy the water.
4. Collect “5.” In the shallow end, place 5 (or however many you choose) glow sticks, pennies or other markers on the bottom of the pool. Have each person stand on the side of the pool. One person uses a stopwatch and times how long it takes each person to retrieve all items. Better hustle (but don’t forget to be careful!)!
5. Basketball. This water game can be played one of two ways:
   1. Use an actual “pool” basketball hoop and set it on the edge of the pool. Pick teams, and play basketball as you would on dry land.
   2. Use a tube, bucket or another doughnut-holed shaped item. Place it in the pool. Allow it to float, but set the rules so team members have to shoot behind a certain place, so that everyone is playing on equal grounds.

Remember, a healthy lifestyle is about more than the “dreaded dead-end workouts.” It’s about enjoying life, while being active. What better way to do this in the summer than to make a splash in the water?

What are your favorite ways to make a splash with fun water games?

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