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Aug
31

Getting to Know the History of Swimwear

Posted by Backyard Ocean in Fun Facts - (0 Comments)

We parade these outfits along the beach all summer long, yet has anyone ever stopped to think when and how the modern-day swimsuit originated from? Here’s a history on how this now-skimpy beach apparel has become an iconic symbol during the dry season.

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From Burqini to Bikini

A more conservative type of swimwear emerged in the 1850s, when nude bathing began to go out of style due to the practice being banned in many towns. With a full skirt, long sleeves, and leggings, this 1880 swimsuit hid every bit of skin that it possibly could.

From that point on, the swimsuit has been on a journey of shedding more and more skin. Throughout the 1900s up until almost five decades later – when the swimsuit was finally invented by Louis Reard – the swimsuit had a fashionable yet conservative appeal.

The likes of Annette Kellerman, a ballerina who caused a stir when her swimwear exposed her arms and neck, and Yolande Fox, the Miss America winner who refused to pose in a swimsuit, were much talked about and very controversial back then.

The Swimsuit as an Icon

Today we give the swimsuit such marvelous attention due to several iconic moments in our history. Celebrities, movies, and the media are what shaped swimwear into what it is today.

That moment when Ursula Andress emerged from the water in a gorgeous bikini as the first Bond girl, for example, left a mark in today’s cinema. Raquel Welch donning a furkini in One Million Years B.C. gave cavemen a sexier appearance, while Carrie Fisher’s metal bikini in Return of the Jedi wooed the entire science fiction world.

The bikini is so iconic, in fact, that in 2011 the red swimsuit that made Farrah Fawcet a 1970s icon was donated and displayed at the Smithsonian. Let’s not forget Pamela Anderson, David Hasselhoff, and the cast of Baywatch all running around television screens in red swimwear.

The Swimsuit Today

That leaves us in today’s era where the swimsuit is a stylish symbol for the summer. Whether worn out in the open beaches or in the privacy of backyard swimming pools, the swimsuit is here to stay and it’s more innovative than ever. When you wear that bikini, think back on where it has gone and how it has evolved through the decades. You’ll be enriched and enlightened by what you’ll discover.

Aug
21

Ways to Keep Your Dog Safe around Your Pool

Posted by Backyard Ocean in Good Advice - (0 Comments)

A swimming pool can be both a source of enjoyment as well as a hazard. This is why pool owners must always follow safety precautions. It’s not just the kids you have to worry about falling into the pool, however. You also have to take into account the family dog, especially if he’s simply let loose out in the backyard.

Dogs and Swimming

Dogs are natural swimmers. That’s a fact. The problem is that not all breeds are adept at swimming. The pug and bulldog, for example, are not exactly the keenest breeds in the water. This is due to their size, build and how their weight and mass is distributed throughout their body.

Another thing to consider is that the pool isn’t a natural body of water. When a dog enters the water, its tendency is to try and exit from the way it came in. The cases of dogs drowning aren’t usually attributed to the inability of a dog to swim. Instead, dogs find themselves unable to exit from the pool. In the end, they tire out in the struggle.

Pool Safety

Although you can setup a pool fence, the best way to avoid accidents is to teach your pet pool safety. If your pool has a set of steps, teach the dog to use those them whenever it enters and exits the water. If your pool doesn’t have steps, it’s a good idea to install a ramp on one side.

Additionally, it’s never a good thing to toss your pet into the pool as this can cause a certain trauma. The same can be said for rough play or submerging your pet in the water. This kind of behavior often leads to panic and fear.

Finally, make sure the chemical balance of the pool is always safe for both your family and your pets. Make it a point to rinse your dog after using the pool to get rid of the chlorine and other pool chemicals.

Taking the time to teach your pet the ropes of how to behave and get around the pool are truly the best way of keeping them safe.

Aug
13

A Guide to Glamping

Posted by Backyard Ocean in Summer Fun - (0 Comments)

Many people are attracted to the great outdoors but the idea of roughing it—building a fire, putting up a tent, sleeping bags, dealing with insects and wildlife, coarse campfire food—isn’t appealing to them. For those who want to get some fresh air without leaving their creature comforts at home, glamorous camping or “glamping” may be something worth trying this summer.

If this is your first time, tour operators would have probably set up almost everything for you. However, you’re heading off to a place far from civilization, so there are still a few things you need to take care of before you “rough it.”

Location—Know the exact location of the camp. Look it up on a map or check a GPS for driving directions. This information comes in handy in case of an emergency. The best glamping locations should include ample space for parking, while being close to natural attractions such as mountains and rivers.

Amenities—Check the fine print to make sure you’re getting what you’re paying for. Many glamping sites offer butler service, some don’t. Do tents or cabins have electricity? Do they include heating and private bathrooms? Some facilities also feature swimming pools and saunas. These amenities determine what you need and don’t need to bring on the trip.

Activities—Some packages include guided, one-day hikes. Others include the use of a boat, tackle, and fishing licenses. Bring something to occupy you for those vacant hours—a football, Frisbee, or other sports equipment would come in handy.

Meals—Most tour operators offer full-course country meals often prepared by a private chef. For those who are into hunting, the chef may cook any game you’ve caught. Many glamping sites have restaurants where you can expect five-star meals.

Since glamping sites offer amenities that conventional campsites don’t, it’s safe to assume that there will be room in your bag for the finer things in life. For example, a little black dress can now fit into a space previously reserved for a sleeping bag, and you might want to add an iPod and its dock to your to-bring list.

Remember, though, that glamping still follows many camping rules: Never touch anything suspicious, leave nothing but footprints, and take nothing but pictures. With these rules, glamping will let you feel the great outdoors, but with less of the hassle that setting up camp entails.

Aug
6

Great Water-based Exercises for the Elderly

Posted by Backyard Ocean in Good Advice - (0 Comments)

Many elderly people find it hard to work out. For one, their bones tend to be brittle and can no longer endure high-impact activities. At the same time, their muscles are smaller and weaker than they were at their prime, and can no longer lift heavy weights. The usual exercises are no longer practical; other exercise routines are needed to maintain muscle tone, circulation, and bone mass.

For those with access to a swimming pool, water-based exercises are proving to be a feasible alternative. The buoyancy of water lessens the effect of gravity while dampening the impact on the joints. Below are some exercises adapted for pools that the elderly can try.

Standing on one leg—This could be done with or without support, and is great for maintaining balance, especially for those with motor disorders.

Water marching—Make continuous strides, each one stretching your legs as high as you can. Point your toes down while making the strides. Repeat for two minutes.

Foam dumbbells—Push and pull a pair of foam dumbbells through the water in front of you. This has the advantage of providing the same resistance as a set of free weights, without the risk of injury.

Balancing on a noodle—An inflatable noodle or tether, when submerged in water, makes good equipment for exercises. Stand on a noodle while walking along its length. You can also have someone push you lightly while maintaining your balance.

Body stretch—Grip the edge of the pool with your hands. Bend your knees and press your feet to the poolside. Stretch your legs, taking care not to lock your elbows and knees. Keep your back bent to prevent muscle strain.

Ball exercise. An inflated ball can also take the place of free weights. Push the ball under the water, taking care not to position your face immediately above the area where the ball is pushed. Move the ball in a horizontal figure eight through the water, maintaining your balance all throughout.

Floating. While this might seem easy for the uninitiated, floating actually involves a lot of muscle groups needed to maintain balance and buoyancy. Ask a partner to assist you. While your partner supports your back, “sit” on the water and move yourself into a lying position. Breathe through your nose and keep your chest straight. This exercise helps keep your breathing steady.

Water exercises are best performed with warm water to prevent joint stiffness. Invest in a good pool heater for optimal results, and always consult with a doctor or other health professional before starting a workout routine.