Health experts advise that you can avoid the siren calls of high-fat ice cream and hot dogs from the snack stand and pack your own healthy pool fare.

Rebecca Althoff, a health educator at Susan P. Byrnes Health Education Center in York, said the No. 1 thing to remember while playing at the pool is to stay hydrated.

“Yes, you are in the water, but you need to be taking it in,” Althoff said.

The next thing to remember is that snacks are an important part of the day that should not be skipped, especially when exerting a lot of energy at the pool.

“You want things high in protein and carbs,” Althoff said. “You are going to be using a lot of energy in the water.”

While some parents might complain they don’t have enough time to pack healthy snacks, Althoff said, lack of time doesn’t always mean you have to make unhealthy choices. Take time to cut up vegetables at night. In the morning, make a checklist for the kids to pack the bags. All they have to do is grab the snacks and go.

“It helps with time management and gets the kids more involved,” Althoff said. “It gives them responsibility.”

Whole fruit, 100-calorie packs and water bottles are the perfect solution for people pressed for time.

If you truly don’t have time to pack a cooler or pool bag, Althoff said, the snack bar is the perfect place to instill making healthy choices.

“You can get a granola bar instead of a candy bar or a soft pretzel instead of potato chips or french fries,” Althoff said.

Fruit kabobs
Cut various fruits into similar-size pieces. Lay them out on a tray and let the kids make a few of their own kabobs, combining fruits they enjoy. Serve with yogurt.

Other snack ideas• Nuts

• Fruit cups
• Carrot and celery sticks
• Cheese and crackers
• Watered-down juice
• Pretzel rods
• Granola bars
• Dried fruit
• Cheerios
• Mini-bagels
• Applesauce
• 100-calorie packs
• Peanut butter sandwiches
• Animal crackers
• Raisins