Monday, May 5, 2008

(ARA) - Every parent knows summertime means fun time. With the warmer temperatures, it's time to unglue young eyes from the television, computer screen and video games. There's no better place for kids to get out and get active than in the pool.

Whether in your backyard or at the local neighborhood pool, swimming provides an energetic and socially engaging environment where children can create lots of fun summer memories.

"Swimming and pool play are fun ways to keep kids moving and expending energy," says Monica Jones of SwimWays, the largest manufacturer of pool toys in the world. "Learning to swim is an important life skill but pool time is also very enjoyable. There are many ways to make this time fun for the entire family."

Today's pool toys keep kids engaged by utilizing the element of water to the fullest. SwimWays offers options for children that are not only fun, but help encourage them to stay active and develop their swimming skills.

Children love technology like video games, electronic toys and playing on the computer. Therefore they are bound to enjoy the newly developed electronic pool toys that are interactive and very unique.

"Innovative pool toys help to promote better swimming through play, eliminating anxiety or reduced attention span that can be associated with basic swimming lessons," comments Jones.

One popular electronic pool toy is Submergency -- a camouflaged device with adjustable depth technology that allows it to float at different water levels. Young swimmers practice important underwater swimming skills as they race to find the device by sound before the timer runs out.

Activities in the water encourage full body exercise, and for those high energy children, the water provides a safer, softer environment for play. "Playing in the water is a fun, low impact way to exercise that has many health benefits for kids and adults alike. And let's face it, water is a much softer place for the falls and spills that happen during play time," adds Jones.

Two of today's most popular youth sports are skateboarding and snowboarding, both of which have a high risk of injury. By bringing these sports into the water with a new pool toy called Subskate, kids are able to have fun and not worry about falling on the hard ground.

The Subskate is a skateboard-shaped foam board that kids can use to do underwater stunts, balancing challenges and skateboarding tricks. By standing on the board, kids increase their balancing skills, core strength and comfort in the water. "They don't even know they're exercising they're having so much fun," Jones comments.

Diving and balancing toys might be a bit advanced for baby brother or sister, but little ones can also stay active and have fun in the pool with a bit of help. For babies the key is to provide a secure environment as they learn to love the water.

Some baby water floats like the SwimWays' Baby Spring Float Activity Center have a wide perimeter and dual inflation tubes for added security in the water. The float surrounds baby with interactive toys, a mesh play space to catch anything they drop and a removable canopy that offers UV protection.

For toddlers and young kids with limited water experience, it's important to use a supportive swim vest that supports the body and keeps them afloat while they increase their mobility in the pool and experiment with basic swimming skills like balancing and paddling.

"If little ones feel safe in the water, they'll be more engaged and willing to learn. When they see mom, dad and siblings enjoying the water as well, they'll become excited about pool time and learning how to swim," says Jones.

If parents share the love of water with their children, they're likely to embrace this healthy, fun activity. With adult supervision and the right tools and toys it can be a safe environment that helps children of all ages build important swimming skills, all while having a good time. For more information visit www.SwimWays.com.

Courtesy of ARAcontent