This post is written by Tiffany Cross, a human resources manager and mom of two who lives in Overland Park, Kansas. She and her BRF were guests on one of our podcasts in 2021, talking about tackling a 70.3 triathlon.

I’ve got big plans—and big goals—for this summer. If all goes well, when I’m at the pool in my swimsuit, I’ll be turning heads and the lifeguards will know to keep an eye out for me. I’ve gotten friends in on my little secret, and I hope you’ll to join us, too.

Thinking this was a fitness or nutrition challenge? No way. My goal this summer? To get better at skipping across the surface of the water at the bottom of the waterslide at my local community pool. Turning heads? Well, it’s not uncommon that I’m the only adult shlepping up flights of stairs to line up with the kiddos. The lifeguards? I have gotten pretty good at splashing down much closer to their faces than they’re used to—they see me coming and know to back up a bit. 

Tiffany goes all in

My aim is to get more moms to let loose and have fun at the pool. It can be such a chore to get everyone dressed, pack the towels and snacks, get everyone lathered in sunscreen, and so on. But think back to your own childhood and doing endless handstands and flips underwater, or diving and cannonballing off the diving board umpteen times in a row. And instead of sitting on the edge of the pool just dangling in your feet, I dare you to go all in, dunk under—even get your hair wet! 

Summer was made for swimming

It all changed for me when we joined our current community center pool featuring the ultimate summer fun—waterslides! One of my life mottos is “waterslides are meant to be ridden,” which means that I never say no to a bit of fun, even when I am the only adult in sight. (Well, okay, except for now, as I have stitches in one foot.) The first time I led the charge up to the slide, my kids couldn’t believe it—but now they know that I’m always game. Or if the slide line is getting too long, we’ll move over to the diving boards, where I await their command to dive, flip, cannonball, or whatever other goofy thing they can think of. If I start to feel a little silly waiting in line with 5-year-olds, I simply remind myself this gives me a sliver of “fun mom” cred—a rare commodity with tweens in the house! 

These waterslides were made for moms!

I’ve got a pretty good track record of sharing the fun: I always love to make my BAMR bestie do a slide “lap” with me after our swim workout. Other moms at the pool have confided that I inspired them to give it a go—and nothing makes me happier. I want all moms to live their fullest, best life and the idea that we’re sitting out summer fun because we’re self-conscious is such a bummer! You won’t regret your dives, slides, or splashes: Your children, and maybe even your inner child, will be so glad you jumped in on the fun.