• Try a sport
• Prize winners

Associated sport: Triathlon/Swimming
Indoor-friendly: No
Pool-friendly: Yes

Game description

1 team called Pirates tries to steal the sacred treasure from the sunken ship which is guarded by another group, the Lifeguards (Play in teams of 4-6).

What you need (setting up)

• 4 x cones or markers.
• Lane ropes to define the playing area.
• 10 x pieces of sunken treasure:
• • weighted diving objects - plastic containers with some sand or rocks in the bottom, diving rings, money; or
  • floating treasure - goggles, foam or plastic balls, paddle board, tennis balls.
• 1 x pair of goggles per player.

What to do

• 2 equal teams of 4 – 6.
• Place the sunken treasure in the middle of the playing area marked on the surface with a buoy.
• Pirates start from their base at one end of the playing area. The Lifeguards line either side of the playing area between the Pirates' base and the treasure.
• Pirates swim up the middle of the playing area, dive for the sunken treasure, then attempt to return the treasure to their base.
• Lifeguards try to tag Pirates on their shoulder or back.
• Tagged Pirates must hand their treasure over to the Lifeguard, swim back to the start and then rejoin the game.
• Play until all treasure has been taken.  

Scoring

• 1 point for each piece of treasure.
• Team with the most points wins.

Change it

• Decrease the number of Lifeguards and increase the number of Pirates.
• Run or wade with swimming arms.
• Increase the swimming distance or width of the playing area.

Safety

• Water depth should be suitable for the ability level of all participants.
• Lifeguards must only tag lightly.
• Pirates cannot be tagged when underwater or surfacing.
• Lifeguards must not run along the pool deck. They remain in their location throughout the game.
• Ensure supervision is provided.

Ask the players

• What do you need to do/remember to have the best chance of success?
• How can you work together to get the best results?