Summertime swim fest!

Summertime growing up in Northern California meant hanging at the pool. Everyday, all day! And, you know what? That is my life now.

Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday mornings, the kids and I hop into the car at 9:55am to their "swim team" practice from 10:15-10:45. A half-hour with at least one potty break and several smiles and waves to mom! It is a half-hour full of giggles with their friends, kicking like crazy and falling over on their kick boards. Today, I videoed both Skye and Spider swimming their versions of backstroke. Skye was giggling the entire time and Spider had the biggest smile on his face.

I love summertime. I love the fact that kids get to, well, be kids! They get to play until their little bodies run out of play-energy. I am not alone at the pool. I see several mom's that arrive early for lessons or swim team and "set up camp" with the plan to stay poolside all day. It is, by far, the greatest activity for kids! They stay cool, burn energy and learn a life skill! Oh, yeah, and if you are lucky enough to have a slide at your pool…well then there are plenty of Whoo Hoo's also!

If you are like me and spending tons of time at an outdoor pool, or even a lake or ocean. Keep these sun and swim safety tips in mind…
1. Peak hours of UV exposure are from 11-2!
2. Always wear sunscreen and reapply at least every 2 hours.
3. Always keep your eyes on your kids..be your family's CEO (Constant Eyes On)
4. Know the tides and what the diff colored flags mean at the beach!
5. Never turn your back on the ocean! Even parents!
6. Put your toddlers in the same swimsuit color every time you go swimming. That way if, god forbid, they go missing you will not waste time thinking what color suit they were wearing.
7. Take your kids out for breaks and recognize when they have had enough.
8. Drink plenty of water…easier said than done…but force it down your kiddos.
9. There is some cool sun protective clothing out there….use it if needed!
10. Make sure your kids know the rules at the pool. Reinforce them often!
11. Kids learning to swim should keep their hands to themselves. "Helping" someone might actually be holding them under.
12. HAVE FUN!!!!