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A Swim Ready Checklist!

School's out! Pools, swimming holes and springs are open again, so it's time to get ready for a quick dip, a plunge from a swinging rope or diving board, a few warmup laps, or a nice long float at your favorite water spot. Were you even able to go swimming last year? Many of us could not. So find your suit, swim shorts, sunscreen and any other gear you may need for time in or near the water. Here's our quick checklist of items you may find useful.

SWIMSUITS

For women there are lots of swimsuit options for mixing and matching tops and bottoms or perhaps you prefer a one piece or a suit that looks as if it might be one piece. Take for example, Patagonia's Glassy Dawn Tankini paired with the Shell Seeker Swim Bottoms.  For men boardshorts are a longtime favorite. Though you may be miles and miles from the ocean, boardshorts are ready to participate in all kinds of water activities. For kids sun protection can't start too early. A long sleeve swimsuit like the Roxy Girls Hawaii Story Long Sleeve Swimsuit Set and a good application of sunscreen can help protect a girl's skin starting early in life. Years down the road, she'll thank you! Boys like boardshorts too and not just for swimming. Tough and water resistant, they can easily become your boy's all day shorts of choice. And there are boardshorts for babies and toddlers! They're easy on and easy off, and dry quickly. And like all Patagonia kids' clothing, they're made to last.

SWIM SHORTS

When you're out on the water, you may see women wearing shorts over their swim suits.  Swim shorts give some extra coverage and freedom of movement while paddling, kayaking or canoeing. These versatile shorts are ready for fun in the water and are often made of water resistant materials that dry quickly.  Patagonia has been making classic swim shorts, better known as Baggies, for almost 40 years. They're made of 100% recycled nylon with a DWR (durable water repellent) finish that dries quickly for extra comfort when you're out of the water. Patagonia Baggies come in a variety of lengths for men, women and kids.

SUNCREEN

Sunscreen is a must-have on your list. When you're looking for sunscreen look for one labeled broad spectrum. This type of sunscreen protects against both UVA and UVB rays. UVA ages the skin while UVB is what gives us sunburn. Badger Sport Sunscreen - SPF 35 is highly water and sweat resistant for up to 80 minutes. It has five simple ingredients including organic and skin-soothing sunflower oil, beeswax, and vitamin E, and there's no added fragrance to irritate sensitive skin. It's reef friendly, biodegradable, and certified cruelty-free.

WATERPROOF SANDALS

If you're heading for the pool, consider a pair of waterproof sandals or flips. Water and leather are not a good mix. But waterproof sandals like Birkenstock's new Women's Honolulu EVA sandals or the Classic Arizona EVA Essentials for men, women and kids can resist the ill effects of water, sand, dirt and mud. They can be easily cleaned with a garden hose and are ready for action again. If you're going to be hiking to your favorite waterhole, spring, creek or river, a pair of sport sandals may be just what you need. These are sandals with flexible soles that protect the bottom of your feet from rocks or other sharp objects and are firmly attached to your feet with buckles or Velcro closures. Keen, Teva and Chaco water sandals are good on the trail and in water.

TOWELS

Make a statement at the beach or pool with the Pendleton Harding Jacquard Spa Towel. It's made of 100% thick cotton velour with a design based on the popular Harding pattern from 1923. Pendleton has been an American favorite for over 150 years creating quality fabrics with iconic designs that never grow old. Another possibility for the pool, the coast or festival going are towels from Nomadix. They come in single and double wide sizes and in a variety of printed patterns. These towels are made with post-consumer recycled plastic bottles, about 30 bottles in a single wide towel. They're absorbent, quick drying and lightweight.

GOGGLES

Whether you want to protect your eyes from chlorine, saltwater, and UVA and UVB rays, or you want to be able to see the underwater wonders at the spring or swimming hole, goggles are the way to go. They need to fit snuggly around the eyes to prevent leaks and have easily adjustable straps. Aqua Sphere Kaiman Swim Goggles with a Clear Lenses are winners on all counts. The easy adjust buckle system assures that the goggles will stay on and prevent leaks while the anti-fog coating keeps the view unobstructed. Embrace your inner Jacques Cousteau and explore the underwater world with goggles!

BEACH TOYS

Kids love playing in the sand at the beach. If their chosen task is digging holes that slowly fill with the tide or making sand castles, Green Toys OceanBound Tide Pool Set has a variety of molds/tools for small hands with big imaginations. This set is fun for bath time and yard play and can be cleaned in the dishwasher.  Another beach favorite is a kite. Take advantage of a steady sea breeze and enjoy time spent playing with the wind flying a colorful, well-made kite. Sorry, kites are for in store pickup only.

DOG TOYS

Dogs love water too! If your dog is a champ playing catch with flying disks, try a Ruff Wear Hydro Plane Floating Throw Toy. The Hydro Plane floats making it easy to see and retrieve should the pup happen to miss. It's made of a long lasting ballistic nylon and a nylon/polyester blend with a foam ring for flotation. As tough as it is, it's gentle on a dog's mouth and easy for them to pick up. Dogs love it for games of fetch on dry land or in the water and for tugging matches.

So ready, set, go swimming! If you need a suit or other gear, stop by your favorite Whole Earth store or visit us online and get everything you need for summer fun.