As the weather gets warmer, your children are going to want to get out and play in water to cool off. For your family this could mean spending time at the beach, on the lake, or even at a pool in your own backyard. While you’re splashing around, it’s important to know how to keep your kids safe around water.

Image via http://www.mindware.com

Check out seven tips to keep your children safe around water this summer:

1. Enroll children in swimming lessons between the ages of 1-5 years old. The sooner they know how to swim, the safer they will be.
2. Make sure children are water wise. Teach them about the general rules of being around water like: don’t run; always walk by the pool.
3. Inexperienced swimmers need to wear a life jacket to keep them safe. In some situations—like boating—a life jacket is required even if you’re an experienced swimmer.
4. Never leave kids to swim without adult supervision. Be there and be aware of what is going on to avoid accidents from happening.
5. Water reflects the sun. Have your kids wear plenty of sunscreen to avoid sunburns while being in and around the water.
6. Kids should drink 4 to 8 ounces of water every 15 minutes when active. Give them plenty of fluids so they stay hydrated and don’t overheat.
7. Be aware of storm warnings and other weather alerts. Don’t ever let kids swim when there is a potential for bad weather.

Looking for more water safety information? Check out the American Red Cross website for more great water safety tips for any kind of water adventure!

What other water safety tips do you recommend? Leave them in the comments section below. 

DIY Network highlighted their favorite companies and products in a special Consumer Electronics Show episode of I Want That. Our newest line of family fitness products, iBitz by GeoPalz was featured in the segment!

The segment includes shots of the new product in action and an exclusive interview with our own COO, Zan O’Leary. iBitz PowerKey is a great way to encourage kids to be physically fit using their very own Tamigotchi-like character, a GeoBot. iBitz Unity allows parents to have an aggregated view of their own steps along with the physical activity of the entire family!

Want to learn more about our line of family fitness products? Stay tuned for our official iBitz product launch this summer! 

GeoPalz has been hard at work perfecting the iBitz products, PowerKey and Unity. Over the last month, GeoPalz has been working at Nike Headquarters in Portland, Oregon participating in the Nike+ Accelerator program.

News outlets have taken notice of the partnership and here’s what they have to say:

Denver Post  – Jibbitz founders’ latest creation, GeoPalz, selected for TechStars Nike+ Accelerator

“The opportunity to integrate with Nike FuelBand and Nike+ Technologies strengthens GeoPalz ability to offer a complete suite of family fitness products. The goal of the Nike+ Accelerator, which will be managed by Boulder-based TechStars, is to “drive digital sport innovation.” In mid-June, participating companies will pitch angel investors, venture capitalists, Nike executives and others during Investor Demo Days at Nike headquarters in Beaverton, Ore., and in Silicon Valley.”

The Verge – Building the Nike+ ecosystem: ten startups selected to create the ultimate fitness platform

“GeoPalz, a company that’s developing a number of step-tracking apps. GeoPalz was at CES this January showing off a proprietary Bluetooth pedometer and app suite that aimed to get kids fit. While we liked the premise, we found it lacked in execution — as with all of the selected companies, it’s hoped that Nike’s money and expertise will help them to perfect their products.”

GIGAOM – Meet the 10 digital fitness startups in the new Nike, TechStars accelerator

“During the program, the startups will be mentored by health and tech leaders, including Stefan Olander, Nike’s VP of digital sport; David Cohen, founder and CEO of TechStars; Naveen Selvadurai, co-founder of Foursquare; and quantified-self expert Tim Ferriss. In addition to the mentorship, support and work space, they’ll receive $20,000 each.”

Want to join the GeoPalz community and get a head start on being healthy? See how using other smartphone apps can help you lead a healthier lifestyle.

Here at Geopalz, we’re so excited for spring – warmer weather, getting outside to garden and play, and delicious springtime recipes! To celebrate and get your kitchen ready for spring, we’ve gathered some delicious healthy recipes and snacks.

Chicken Kabobs

This recipe is perfect for that first grilling day of the season! All you need is chicken, veggies, and long skewers.

Veggie Flower

We might be guilty of playing with our food, but this delightful flower is healthy and cute. It makes a great snack while you’re spending time playing outdoors.

Grilled Turkey Burger

For a healthier meal, ditch the bread or tortilla and use lettuce to wrap your burger! Top off your turkey burger with fresh vegetables from the local market.

Strawberry and Cream Cheese Sandwich

All you need for this tasty treat is sliced bread, strawberries, and cream cheese! It’s quick and easy to serve this dessert sandwich in your kids’ lunchboxes or after dinner.

These tasty recipes making you hungry? Find more great springtime recipes on our Pinterest boards!