| Every summertime we ferreted the inflatable pool | | | | forming strong bones. (It is still recommended |
| out of the shed and set it up in the back garden | | | | that you use a UV barrier cream when you are |
| in the sun. Then we filled it with water, put it in | | | | outdoors - and wear a hat as well) |
| the sun and let the children play in it. The children | | | | There are many different types of outdoor |
| loved it. One heard stories of children drowning in | | | | recreational items. A lot of outdoor recreational |
| inches of water, so one always kept an eye on | | | | items help children to develop their motor skills. Of |
| them. What it did do, was build a confidence in | | | | course, there is also a wide variety of outdoor |
| them about being in the water. They got their | | | | recreational items for people of all ages to enjoy, |
| heads wet, went underwater and opened their | | | | they are not at all limited to children. |
| eyes, and generally just enjoyed themselves. | | | | Where can you go to enjoy yourself in summer |
| Later this led to them wanting to learn to swim. | | | | with these items? A place to start could be |
| The school provided swimming lessons, but most | | | | 'indoorwaterparks dot net'. It is a directory of |
| parents can encourage their children to swim by | | | | waterparks in the USA, listed by state. |
| getting into the pool with them and showing them | | | | There is something for everyone in outdoor |
| how, holding them, encouraging them to kick, etc, | | | | recreation. From babies to grandparents. |
| all of which builds up confidence and enjoyment. | | | | Everyone can enjoy their day out, especially if |
| Some children hate getting their faces wet, and | | | | care is taken to prepare well beforehand. |
| dunking their whole head in the water is misery | | | | Many different companies manufacturer outdoor |
| indeed. Help them to not be afraid, by encouraging | | | | recreational items. (Most of these are inflatables). |
| them early on to enjoy the water. | | | | For instance there is Poolmaster, Swimline, |
| After the dull days of winter, catching a bit of | | | | Sunsmart, International Leisure, Coleman, Sevylor, |
| free Vitamin D from the sunshine in summer is | | | | Excalibur, Sportstuff, Banzai and Intex. Skamper |
| another consideration. Our skin absorbs sunlight | | | | manufactures ramps for animals which help them |
| and our metabolism turns this into vitamin D, | | | | get out of the water. Zoggs specializes in ear |
| helping to build calcium in the bloodstream and so | | | | plugs, nose clips and goggles. |