by Michelle Donaghey

POOLS
Shimmering water, clear as a bell- that is heaven to dive into when the temperature is high. Whether it be the local park or a backyard, summertime is the time for these man-made water holes. Shimmering water, clear as a bell- that is heaven to dive into when the temperature is high. Whether it be the local park or a backyard, summertime is the time for these man-made water holes.Phone first and ask questions! Planning to visit a local pool? The rule is always phone-first. While the pool may have their hours listed, often they do not list when there swim lesson times are which coincide with their hours. Before your day is ruined because you went when lessons were going on, call. Besides, you can find out if they have lockers to rent or for free and much admission is. Also ask if water toys and or life preservers or water wings are accepted- some pools allow them while others may not.

At the pool
It's a good idea to leave the purse in the car hidden from view. Buy a small money holder that hangs around your neck that you can put change in. Pin your car key into your bathing suit and mark your towel with your name with a laundry marker- your towel may be unusual to you, but at the pool, three other people may have the same towel. And don't forget the sunblock! Diving boards are tempting to kids of all ages, but it is best for only kids who are good swimmers to use them. It also may be tempting for you to teach your kids to dive, but it is best left to the professionals. If you really want them to learn, find out about lessons. Children are not developmentally ready for swim lessons until after their fourth birthday according to the A.A.P. which also notes that whenever infants or toddlers are around water, an adult should be within arm's length, providing "touch supervision." "Never leave children alone in or near a pool, even for a moment," says the A.A.P.

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By Michelle Donaghey

Beaches-

For starters, a good choice is a Frisbee says Joni Jones of the Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore. This versatile toy can be used for games or just for throwing back and forth. Even one child can have fun with one, playing in the sand using it as a shovel. If it does get windy, keep away from the shoreline! Leave kites, baseballs and bats a home. A better choice for balls might be a beachball, but they have a tendency to blow away when the wind picks up.
It may be tempting to bring Fido or Fluffy, but the beach is not the place for a pet. Pets can pick up all sorts of problems if they drink the water or eat things left on the beach. Besides, most beaches have the rule that the pet must be leashed which isn't much fun!
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