Name
Bake a Cake
Core Skill
This dynamic game is excellent for developing underwater skills, breath control, imaginative play, and comfort in the water. Variants can be used to focus on other skills, such as "making a pizza" or "making tacos."
Who
Swimmers of various ages who enjoy role-playing and group activities.
What
The activity simulates the process of baking a cake using a hula hoop (or similar circular object) in the pool. It is a fun, multi-stage game that encourages full body participation.
How
- Get a hula hoop or another circular object and designate it as the "cake."
- Have swimmers circle around the hula hoop and hold the sides.
- Take turns asking each swimmer what they would like in their cake (e.g., "Susie, what would you like in your cake?" "CHOCOLATE!" "Okay, let's put some chocolate in the cake!").
- Take turns splashing water into the hula hoop and repeating the ingredient call-out ("Put some chocolate into our cake!").
- After each swimmer has added their ingredient, have them grab the edge of the hula hoop and push it down to their feet to "put the cake in the oven." Encourage every swimmer to put their nose, mouth, or face in the water while doing this.
- Perform another short activity while the cake "bakes" (e.g., swimming laps around the hoop).
- Have a swimmer or group check the cake by putting their face, lips, or nose in the water and asking, "Is the cake done? Is it ready to eat?"
- Have swimmers reach down to the sunken hula hoop until it reaches their shoulders, or even their noses if they can, and slowly lift the "cake" to the surface.
- Have swimmers blow bubbles on the cake (inside the hula hoop) to cool it off so it can be eaten.
- The grand finale is eating the cake! This can involve voluntarily smashing faces into the water inside the cake, or getting a bucket and dumping water onto their faces or heads. Make sure everyone participates by dumping water on their shoulders, the back of their head, or on their face. If scooping water, ensure they are actively participating in the fantasy.
- Be enthusiastic throughout the game, exclaiming how delicious the cake is!
Difficulties Instructors Might Face
Because this activity relies heavily on imaginative play, maintaining enthusiasm and keeping the focus positive can be challenging. Always prioritize safety by ensuring swimmers understand that face submersion must be voluntary and controlled.