Posted on June 7, 2023 by Miller and Smith Blog Team
As summer approaches, many homeowners are gearing up for pool season.
While a trip to the pool can be a great source of entertainment and relaxation, it’s important to remember that safety should always come first.
Whether you live in Virginia or Maryland, at an all-ages community or in 55+ active adult one, community pools are opening near to your new Miller & Smith home.
Playing games at the pool is a great way to have fun and improve physical fitness. And, pools let you easily meet up with friends, family, and neighbors to create cool summer memories.
While looking forward to enjoying the fun and relaxation of spending time by the pool, it’s important to remember that safety should always come first.
Luckily, by following some basic guidelines, you can ensure that your pool time is as safe as it is enjoyable. To that end, here’s a list of our top pool safety tips followed by a few classic pool games.
To maintain a safe swimming environment, let’s explore some essential tips and tricks.
Your best safety tool when heading to the pool is knowledge. Knowing how to swim and adapt to any surprises is kept to staying safe while in a pool. The great thing is, there are many places that offer swimming lessons to people of all ages. If you lived in one of our beautiful single-family homes in Patapsco Crossing in Ellicott City, you’d be six minutes away from the Roger Carter Community Center. This 46,000-square-foot center offers, among other classes and programs, swimming lessons from babies to adults!
Taking care of your skin at the pool is crucial. The sun’s rays can do damage that lasts for years, so be sure to avoid it whenever you can. Sitting in the shade is a great way to get some relief and stay protected from harmful UV rays, as is wearing a pair of UV-resistant sunglasses. Applying sunblock with an SPF of 30 or more will also help protect your skin. Don’t forget to reapply every two hours to make sure you’re fully covered. And when choosing a sunblock, opt for cream instead of spray as the latter hasn’t been thoroughly tested yet and could miss areas.
When kids head to the pool, it’s super important they use the buddy system. This means that two kids stick together and keep an eye out for one another. If you’re grandkids are visiting your new home in Birchwood at Brambleton, for example, and heading to one of the many community pools, the buddy system would let two kids enjoy all their many features as a team! Put many buddy pairs together and you have a whole party of kids looking out for each other.
It’s so important to keep a watchful eye on the little ones when they’re swimming. No matter how confident they are in the water, accidents can happen in an instant. That’s why it’s crucial to always have an adult outside the pool, watching over them. This is in addition to any lifeguards on duty. If you’re in a group, switch around who is the dedicated “water watcher.” And this doesn’t have to be a tedious position: The water watcher can be the one who leads some of the games we’ll feature in the next section!
Dive into summer fun with these awesome pool games! Whether you’re a kid or just young at heart, there’s something for everyone in this list.
One of the oldest game styles humans have played (though, set in water), Marco Polo is a classic “must play” pool game. Here’s how it works: One person is “it” and keeps their eyes closed while calling out “Marco.” The other players reply with “Polo” and try to swim around without being tagged. It can get pretty intense as you frantically swim away from the tagger, trying not to make any noise that will give away your location. But once you’re caught, it’s your turn to be “it.” Marco Polo is a great way to cool off on a hot summer day and it always brings out the competitive spirit in everyone.
What do you get when you take the basketball game H-O-R-S-E and put it in water? Why, F-I-S-H, of course! Like most pool games, this is a group activity. One player starts and does something in the pool (swim the length of the pool without stopping, perform a somersault under water, handstand in the pool, etc.) and the other players have to copy it. Anyone who doesn’t or can’t earns a letter. Then the second player gets to perform a pool feat which everyone copies, and so on. First person to spell out F-I-S-H is the FISH! You can end the game there, or continue playing until only one human remains in a school of FISH.
Sharks & Minnows is a fun pool game where players get to be either the predator or prey. The “shark” tries to tag as many “minnows” as possible, while the minnows try to swim past the shark without getting caught. It’s a thrilling game that requires quick reflexes and strategy. As you play, you can feel your heart pumping with excitement as you dodge and weave through the water. Don’t underestimate the power of being a minnow though—sometimes it’s the underdog who comes out on top! Overall, this game is a lot of fun and perfect for hot summer days spent at the pool.
Atomic whirlpool is a super fun game to play at the swimming pool. The best part is that anyone can play: all you need is a group of people willing to take the plunge. Once everyone jumps in, start walking or running around in a circle together. As you move faster and faster, the water will start swirling around creating a whirlpool effect. Then, count down from three and have everyone jump towards the middle of the circle, where the water is moving fastest. Hold on tight and get ready for the ride of your life! Just make sure to be safe and watch out for each other while playing this exciting game. You can even switch direction as a group and try to walk against the now-swirling current for even more fun!
In conclusion, swimming pools are a fun and exciting way to cool off during the summer months. However, it is important to remember that safety should always be a top priority when enjoying pool time with family and friends. By following these simple tips, everyone can have a safe and enjoyable swim experience. And don’t forget to add some extra fun by playing games like Marco Polo or Sharks and Minnows! Just remember to stay safe as you head to the pools near your Miller & Smith Home.