Fun Pool Games for Toddlers

Every parent knows about the dangers of drowning – for small children, drowning is a major cause of accidental death, so it’s important that kids learn how to swim. The first step is making sure that they’re comfortable in the water, and this can be achieved by playing pool games. Helping your kids learn to swim can actually be a lot of fun! Here are some games you can try.

Falling In

This is a confidence-building game. Your job is to stand in the water, while your child sits on the edge of the pool. Then, let the child fall into your waiting arms. You can do this with him or her sitting backwards or forwards, and you can encourage the child to try all sorts of different maneuvers. The whole idea is to get the child used to being in the water, having water splash against the face, and get accustomed to the feeling of buoyancy while feeling safe in the knowledge that you’ll be there. Children usually progress very quickly to wanting to jump into the water on their own.

Blowing Balls

If a child is afraid of getting their face wet, you can try putting ping-pong balls, or other light, floating objects, on the surface of the water. The idea is for the child to use the power of their breath to blow the balls across the water. Obviously, at some point during this exercise, the child’s face is going to get wet, but by then they’ll be having so much fun, it will feel like no big deal.

Singing and Dance in the Water

Think about familiar songs that use movement, and do them in the water. “Ring Around the Rosie,” “London Bridge,” or even “The Hokey Pokey” can help kids get use to the feeling of moving their limbs in an unfamiliar environment. Get them to act out the various gestures. This is fun, and can build confidence.

Hold a Toy’s Breath

This game helps a child learn the connection between being submerged and the need to hold his or her breath. What you do is have the child submerge a toy in the water, while at the same time holding his or her breath. Pretend that the toy is holding its breath as well. When the child can’t hold his or her breath any longer, it’s time to bring the toy up out of the water and let it take a breath! When the child is ready, he or she can join the toy with their face in the water until it’s time to take another breath. This builds confidence, and helps the child to avoid inadvertently inhaling water.

Be Animals!

This game encourages a wide range of movement in the water. Have the child pretend to be different animals, and do appropriate movements. Bunnies hop, birds flap their wings, crabs walk sideways – you get the idea. The more animals you can think of, the greater the variety of movements your child will be attempting in the water, and the more confident they’ll feel. In fact, this one is so much fun, you’re going to want to join in as well!