Playing games in and around the pool not only makes the time spent more enjoyable, but can
also teach valuable safety lessons. Swim Kids have identified a range of games that encourage the link between education and playtime.
Drowning is one of the largest causes of accidental death among
Australian children - parents and carers can help reduce this statistic by being armed with the right knowledge and skills.
Some water games are there to be enjoyed, while others include important
lessons and teach children to have respect for the water. Water familiarisation
is a crucial stage in learning to swim, the
earlier pool owners are able to get children comfortable in the water, the better.
Playing water
games allows pool owners to bond with their child, while teaching acceptable
behaviour in the pool without being a ‘disciplinarian’.
Benefits of playing water games include:
- Building confidence around a swimming pool by learning new swimming skills.
- Improving fine motor skills.
- Improving hand-eye co-ordination.
- Teaching children about gravity, density, capacity and temperature.
- Improving fitness & stamina.
There are
also a number of water games targeted at more advanced/older children. These
games increase fitness, improve a child’s swimming ability, and helps build strength.
For example, many games involve treading water for lengthy periods of time –
something that helps build swimming stamina. Similarly, water games that
involve a lot of hopping in and out of the pool can also help build strength
while teaching children about safe entry and exit procedures. These types of
water games are a great way to promote an active lifestyle and teach
water-safety techniques.
Please remember that adult supervision is required at all times, regardless of
the games being played, to keep kids safe from injuries or drowning.
Visit
the Swim Kids website for a list of water games that can be enjoyed by the
whole family.
http://www.swimkids.com.au/swimming-pool-games/water-games/