Games for Aquatic Fitness

"We're here for serious training, not games!" If that's your attitude you'll miss an important point.

Learning is an emotional activity, unlike computer programming. We'll remember better when we have fun. Enjoy these games in your swimming group or lifesaving class. These games are designed to build team spirit and co-operation, but most of all they train for survival swimming in a playful manner.

Safety

Before you jump in, there are several things to consider:

1. Supervise your group when they are in or near water, no matter how good swimmers they are. A lifeguard in addition to the teacher should watch the pool.

2. Always maintain a high level of safety. Don't let them go all wild and out of control. Maintain some discipline and all have a lot more fun.

3. Make sure your group is trained in clothed swimming which is part of many games.

Aquatic Agility Through Games

The objective of aquatic agility training is to improve your water survival chances and help you do more effective lifesaving rescues.

When you can move in water with confidence, even when fully clothed, you will be much safer in any situation. This needs practice and time, but is good fun as games teach this in an entertaining way.

There is no need for rigid training routines. The most efficient way to practice and teach aquatic agility is with pools games.

Enjoy Learning New Skills

Loosen up your training with games that teach useful skills, initiative and team spirit, while everybody experiences the connection between swimming and fun.

Our water games have been adapted from a number of sources, the best being the ideas from our readers. Some are well known dry games that have been modified for the pool.

Most games work nicely with six or more participants, but you can make them suit the number, ages and skill levels of your group. Organise fun competitions.

Team Colours

Dress up in team colours so you know who is in what team. Clothes add interest and raise the training effect. They are often cheaper than special accessories. You can even the odds by making the faster swimmers wear more clothes.

Variety and Speed

People love to play in the water, but get tired of the same games all the time. As you play, remember the faster the pace, the more the game will hold your group's interest. Another trick is to vary the games so that everyone can do something well.

Pool Games

These games make your swimming lessons more enjoyable but also encourage participants to learn swimming in clothes while having a blast in the water.

Use water toys such as pool noodles or inflatables for added fun and buoyancy. Ensure that safety measures and supervision are in place at all times during these activities.

Fashion Show

1. This is a fun way to start a swimming session while the group are still dry.
2. Encourage them to be creative and put on a "fashion show" while describing their unique styles made up of the available clothes.
3. They take turns walking along the pool deck to show off their creations.
4. Use the diving boards as a catwalk where they dive into the pool and swim to the other side.
5. Have a small prize for the most creative or entertaining fashion show.

Floating Contest

1. Participants line up in the water.
2. Instruct them to see who can float on their backs the longest while wearing different clothes.
3. Encourage creativity by allowing them to use pool noodles or other floating devices if needed.

Inflatable Boat Race

1. Divide participants into teams.
2. Each team is given an inflatable boat.
3. Teams swim to the boat and climb in.
4. Paddle the boat back to the start.

Limbo in the Water

1. Set up a limbo bar across the water using a pool noodle or a floating object.
2. Participants take turns swimming under the limbo bar.
3. Gradually lower the bar to increase the challenge.

Mannequin Rescue

1. Prepare a mannequin dressed in clothes and rain gear and place it at the pool's bottom.
2. Participants take turns diving down to retrieve the mannequin, simulating a rescue scenario.
3. Notice the extra drag the clothes cause when lifting it.

Synchronized Swimming

1. Create small synchronized swimming routines or movements that participants perform together.
2. Notice the big difference between anoraks and hiking capes or ponchos.
3. This exercise combines creativity and teamwork.

Underwater Treasure Hunt

1. Scatter waterproof objects (plastic toys, dive rings, or weighted objects) at the bottom of the pool.
2. Participants dive underwater to retrieve as many objects as possible.
3. Provide a list of items to find, and the participant or team that collects the most items wins.

Water Balloon Toss

1. Fill water balloons and have participants pair up.
2. One participant throws the water balloon to their partner, who must catch it while in the water.
3. Gradually increase the distance between partners to make it more challenging.

Water Basketball

1. Set up a water basketball hoop in the pool.
2. Participants play a game of water basketball while wearing their rain clothes.
3. Use a soft beach ball or a lightweight basketball to minimize impact.

Water Polo

1. Play a friendly game of water polo where participants wear their clothes and rainwear as makeshift water polo uniforms.
2. This adds an extra layer of challenge and fun to the game.

Water Tag

1. Choose one participant to be "it."
2. The "it" person wears a brightly colored anorak and tries to tag the other participants by swimming and touching them.
3. When tagged, a participant becomes the new "it."