Make a Splash with a Sponge Toss Relay

Let's face it: when you ask anyone to name a fun pool game, the first thing that comes to mind is (you guessed it!) Marco Polo. But if you're bored playing that ever-popular activity, here's something to shake up your summer swimming routine! Have a splash of a time with this exciting pool competition, that pits two teams against each other to see who can toss (and catch) the soaking wet sponge the fastest. It's a great way to cool down, and makes a wonderful pool party game!

What You Need:

• 2 wet sponges in different colors
• 4 or more kids
• Swimming pool

What to Do:

1. Divide the players into two groups, and have each group line up on opposite ends of the outside of the pool, facing each other.
2. Assign players to two teams, A and B. Have players count off in pattern, so it goes A, B, A, B, etc. until each person has been assigned a team. Teammates should end up diagonally across the pool from one another, not directly facing each other.
3. Give a sponge to the first team member on either side, making sure they are soaking wet. Don't worry if it is dripping--the whole point is to get wet!
4. On your mark, get set, SOAK! On your signal, invite team members to throw the sponge to the teammate that is diagonally across from them, whose goal is to catch the sponge and then toss it across the pool to the next player. Keep in mind you're not trying to hit the opposing team, but rather play a sopping game of catch with your own team!
5. Each time a player drops the sponge, he must jump in the pool and retrieve it! Players are not allowed to wring out the sponge; this way it stays heavy and wet so when the next player catches it, he gets a big splash!
6. The object of the game is to toss it back and fourth across the pool, all the way down the line and then back to the person who took the first throw. The team that does it the fastest wins!