Swimmin’ in the Rain

“I’m swimmin’ in the rain, just swimmin’ in the rain.

What a glorious feelin’. I’m happy again.’

I’m pretty sure that’s how that song goes, at least that is, for sure, how Mikey would sing it.  Swimming in the rain is one of his great joys. He thinks it is silly and fun and to be honest, watching him is even fun because he is positively exuberant about it!

There have been days where I have worn my parka because it is Fall or Spring and it is pouring, but Michael wants to be in the pool.  This was just rain, not a thunder storm…it’s never safe to be outside when there is lightning in the area. So, if there are storms, I tend not to let him start swimming because it can be tricky to get him out quickly.  

When they are little, it is easy to scoop them up if lightning is near and bring them inside. Just remember, you need to work towards a day when you will need their cooperation to get them safely inside.

Big Ideas on Weather Water Safety:

1. Always check local radar before swimming outside to avoid getting caught in a lightning storm.
2. You might want to create a phrase that is unlikely to be used any other time, that signals swimming is over without negotiation.  At our local Y, they yelled out “Towel Time” and all the kids had to get out of the pool and go to their towels. We’ve continued to use this.
3. We also often use our first, then strategy…  “First out of the pool, then watch Cars”