Games to Play in the Swimming Pool

If you own a pool basketball set, hold a dunk contest.

Swimming pools provide hours of entertainment for kids and adults alike. However, sometimes this entertainment can turn chaotic and potentially dangerous. In order to rein in rambunctious kids--and adults--you can set up a number of game that are fun and entertaining, and keep everyone on the same page.

Things You'll Need

• Swimming pool basketball set
• Swimming pool volleyball set
• Sinking pool toys
• Rafts

Instructions

1. Play Marco Polo, arguably the most popular swimming pool game. One player will keep his eyes closed an attempt to move closer to the other players by calling out "Marco," to which the other players must respond "Polo." The next tagger will be whomever the current tagger is able to tag.

2. Purchase a floating ball and basketball hoop or one that sits near the edge of the pool. You can hold a shooting or dunking contest, or play an actual game of basketball, horse or around the world. You can also purchase a pool volleyball court, which will allow you to play the game in the pool.

3. Place two people on the shoulders of two stronger people to play a round of chicken, in which the two top opponents must try to knock each other off of the other person's shoulders. The stronger people are there for balance and leverage, while the top two must actually be the ones to physically knock the other down. Be sure to play this in an open area, away from the sides of the pool.

4. Throw rings and other pool toys that will sink into the pool for a treasure hunt. After all the players have closed their eyes and multiple items have sunk to the bottom of the pool, have the players open their eyes and begin diving for the objects. After every object has been claimed, tally up the contestants' totals to see who retrieved the most objects.

5. Hold contests. You can hold relay races or swim meets, or create obstacle courses. You could also hold diving contests, somersault contests, floating contests, handstand contests or see who can hold their breathe the longest under water.

Tips & Warnings

• Whatever games you choose to play, make safety a priority. Don't hold a diving contest in a pool that is only five feet deep. Don't play a game of chicken in a narrow pool. Don't begin a breath-holding contest with young, inexperienced swimmers. Never play any physical pool games with anyone who has had too much to drink.

Resources

• Read this Article in Portuguese