As you're considering kids' pool party ideas, make sure safety is your first thought. With all those kids running around, there's plenty of chances for someone to get seriously injured if you're not prepared. Pool party supplies should be appropriate for a wet environment, as should favors and anything needed for party games. Keeping the supplies, food and favors simple is usually a good idea, as kids will love being in the pool and don't need a lot of props to have a great time.
Safety First
It's important to have a lifeguard to help watch the kids in the pool. Lifeguards are specially trained in pool safety, and can spot trouble before someone with an untrained eye. Hire a lifeguard, or two if you have more than 15 children at the party. Parents can also be asked to help if you wish, although most likely they will want to socialize with each other during the party. Having a lifeguard will help everyone's peace of mind. Many teens and college students have summer jobs as lifeguards, so ask around your neighborhood to find someone qualified. Be sure the lifeguard has a current certification in CPR for adults and children.
It's also important to have safety rules in place. Go over the rules with the guests before anyone gets into the pool. Some good ideas for pool rules are: no pushing, no running, no food or drinks in the pool and no diving, if the pool is too shallow for safe diving. Add or adjust your own rules to this list as you deem appropriate.
Food
Keep the food light. Kids will probably return to the food from time to time, and want to grab something small or graze, rather than eat a large meal before swimming. With that in mind, provide finger sandwiches, crackers, cookies, veggies and fruits. Make sure the food is in a shaded area so it will not spoil or wilt in the sun. Put the veggies, fruits and drinks on ice to keep them cool, or store the drinks in a cooler.
Games
It can be fun to have some games, such as team contests to find and capture a sinking toy, beach ball volleyball, Marco Polo or water relays. Try a pool obstacle course, with everyone going under, around, over and through certain parts of the pool. Have adults holding the obstacles in the pool, such as a big hula hoop that needs to be swum through, or being an obstacle that the kids need to swim around.
Be sure to give the kids time for free swim too. Sometimes it's enough to have a whole lot of beach balls and floating toys in the pool and let the kids play with them.
Atmosphere
Have festive music playing, waterproof decorations and try some disposable waterproof cameras for taking underwater pictures and general party shots. Let the kids take home extra beach balls for party favors, and make a game out of cleanup if you want, with Popsicles as the reward when the job is done.
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