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Pool Party
Get Fit, Have Fun and Stay Cool in the Pool
By Shel Franco
Quick tips
- Players are allowed to move. Just keep in mind that movement will often lead to noise, and that gives Marco a target!
- Getting out of the pool is not advisable. Games like Marco Polo tend to cause excitement, and excitement in the pool environment can lead to running – a very dangerous poolside action.
- Older players can have the number of calls ("Marco") limited so that younger players get a fair shake.
- Ducking under the water to avoid a tag is OK if you are certain the skill level of those playing is appropriate.
- Blindfolds aren't completely necessary, but they do eliminate the classic complaint of "You're peaking!"
Sharks and Minnows
Who plays? This game is best played with three players, but two can play with a slight variation (see Quick Tips).
How do you play?
One player is named the shark. The other players are minnows. The shark takes up residence in the middle of the pool. The minnows flock to the wall. With the minnows lined up, one hand touching the wall, the shark yells, "1, 2, 3 minnow!" or "Lunchtime!" or "I'm hungry!" or whatever else you please. On that signal, the minnows race past the shark to the othe side of the pool. If a minnow touches the other wall, he or she is safe. However, if the shark tags a minnow before he or she makes it to the other side, then the minnow becomes a shark and joins the original shark in the middle of pool. The game goes on until only one minnow is left. That minnow is declared the winner and can choose the next shark.