Too Much Swimming

A Story from When Apa Was Young

Slap-slap-slap-slap. Ricky’s flip-flops hit the hot sidewalk as he hurried to the big pool. He couldn’t wait to go swimming! His big brothers, Ken and Jon, raced ahead and dove into the water. Ricky wasn’t far behind, and soon the pool was filled with wild splashing in a game of “sardines.”

The next hour disappeared quickly. Ricky and his younger sister Margy practiced diving and then joined the others in a game of Marco Polo. They were only on their second round when they heard the fatal call. “Time to go home!”

“Can’t we stay a little longer?” Ricky begged.

“Just to finish this game?” Ken added.

But Mom was firm. “Not today,” she said, as she handed Margy a towel. “We have company coming tonight. Besides, you wouldn’t think it was so much fun if we stayed here all day. Too much of a good thing is too much.”

“That’s what moms always say,” Jon muttered, as they slowly climbed out of the pool.

“I could play in the pool forever!” Margy said. Ricky had to agree. Who ever heard of too much swimming? Mom was just making that up!

The days continued to be hot and steamy, and Ricky was glad when they could make another trip to the pool. “I hope we can stay longer this time,” he whispered to Margy as they climbed in the car.

They were earlier at the pool than usual, so none of their friends were there yet. “Hey, Bobby!” Ricky called when they finally arrived. “Let’s race!”

“No, fair!” he spluttered when Bobby reached the far side first. “You got a head start!” They lined up for another try and several of the other boys joined them. After several more races someone suggested playing “sardines.”

Ricky was “shark” when more friends arrived. After several times across the pool without catching anyone Ricky was getting really tired! He made a desperate lunge after Margy, but she was too far ahead. Soon everyone was across again!

“I’ll be shark this time,” Ken offered, and Ricky was glad to catch his breath. His lungs were tired and he didn’t feel like playing anymore.

When Bobby suggested Marco Polo, Ricky shook his head. “I’m tired out.” He looked across the pool and was surprised to see his mom still talking with the other parents. Usually she got them headed home by now. Playing in the pool all day suddenly didn’t seem so exciting as he had thought.

“Come on!” Bobby urged. “Don’t be a spoilsport! I’ll be Marco.”

“Okay,” Ricky agreed, but he didn’t have much fun. What time was it anyway? The shadows were getting longer and Ricky almost wished his parents would call them. But Dad was dozing on a beach chair and Mom was still talking.

The boys started a water ball game next, but it didn’t go very well. Ricky seemed to make a lot of mistakes, and even when his team scored, he couldn’t get very excited about it.

It was a relief when Mom’s voice rang out across the pool, “Time to get ready to go, kids!” Without another word Ricky crawled out of the pool and headed for his dry clothes.

He stomach felt sick and he ached all over. What had gone wrong? Deep down inside, he knew. Mom had been right. Too much swimming wasn’t good for anyone. Next time he would be glad when it was time to go early. It was better to enjoy a little swimming than to ruin his whole day by getting too much!