Getting your family outside can be tough in this fast-paced digital age. With smartphones, tablets, and laptops available at the push of a button, it can be difficult to persuade family members to get off the sofa and go outdoors. But that’s not a reason to give up on getting them active! To make getting your family outside as easy as possible, follow these tips:
What better way is there to get your kids active than with water activities? Many countries have public swimming pools or freshwater lakes where you can go for water sports such as boating, sailing, water polo or wakeboarding. Here are some great ways you can get the most out of your water activity:
Know your water activity’s limits
Water activities can be great for kids, but they don’t come with the same protective padding that land sports do. The fact is: Kids are super fragile while they are young. While they may be more robust than pre-teens and even most adults, they still need to be protected from the risks of water sports. Know the limits of your activity and consider if it’s appropriate for you and your child’s age and ability level. You can also find other parents who are involved in the same activity and ask them for advice!
Find a safe, shallow area to practice in
You can’t just throw your kids in the water and expect them to know what to do. You need to get them used to the water by playing in shallow, safe areas first. This could be a nearby lake or a pool. You could also try a local river or canal. Just make sure it is shallow and safe to practice in. If you have a local park, you can also practice there. Establish some basic rules before you go in: don’t go in the river, don’t jump from fallen branches and don’t touch any plants.
Teach your kids how to swim – and why!
Kids can get into lots of trouble if they don’t know how to swim. Swimming is a great way to get active because it is low impact and you can get your heart rate up without putting your joints and muscles under any extra strain. You can also teach your kids to swim for many different reasons. You might want to teach your kids to swim to encourage fitness or health. Or you might want them to learn how to swim as a fun activity with family members.
Conclusion
Water sports are an awesome way to get your family outside and active, but you need to be aware of your activity’s limits. You can’t just throw your kids in the water and expect them to know what to do. You need to get them used to the water by playing in shallow, safe areas first. Teach your kids how to swim – and why! Don’t forget the adults! Conclusion If you are looking for ways to get your family active and healthy, water sports are a great option.
