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Marco Polo is one of the most beloved pool games of all time. No equipment needed, no complicated setup, and kids of almost any age and swim level can play. If you have never played before or just want a refresher on the rules, this guide covers everything: the history behind the game, step-by-step instructions, the popular “fish out of water” variation, safety tips, and why the game is awesome for young swimmers.
The Story Behind Marco Polo
The game is named after Marco Polo, the 13th century Venetian merchant and explorer. He was famous for his willingness to venture into uncharted territory, traveling across Asia and documenting cultures that most Europeans had never seen. The connection to the pool game is fitting: The person playing “Marco” is essentially doing the same thing, navigating unknown waters using sound as their only guide.
There are many versions of the game played around the world, but the classic version is the one most families know and love. That is the version we are covering here.
What You Need to Play Marco Polo
One of the best things about Marco Polo is how little it requires. Here is the complete list:
A swimming pool. A group of players. The willingness to make a little noise.
That’s it. No toys, no equipment, no prep work. Just get in the water and go.
How to Play Marco Polo: Step-by-Step Rules
Step 1: Set the Boundaries
Before the game starts, agree on the playing area. Is the game limited to the shallow end, or does it extend to the whole pool? Creating boundaries upfront makes the game fair and keeps it fun for everyone. Be inclusive here. If younger or less experienced swimmers are playing, keep the boundaries to areas where everyone feels comfortable.
Step 2: Choose Who Is “Marco”
One player is selected to be “Marco,” also known as “it.” This person keeps their eyes closed or wears a blindfold for the entire round. No peeking.
Step 3: Count to Ten
Once Marco closes their eyes, they count to ten out loud before starting to move. Some families count “ten Mississippis” for a slower, more dramatic countdown. Either way, the count gives the other players time to spread out across the playing area.
Step 4: Call and Respond
With eyes still closed, Marco calls out “Marco!” at any point during the game. Every other player in the pool must immediately respond with “Polo!” No keeping quiet. The responses are how Marco locates the other players using sound alone.
Step 5: Tag Someone
Marco uses the responses to find the other players and try to tag one of them. The other players are allowed to swim, move, and dodge to avoid being tagged, as long as they stay within the boundaries.
Step 6: Switch Roles
The first player tagged by Marco becomes the new Marco for the next round. This makes sure everyone gets a turn and no one gets stuck as Marco for too long.
The “Fish Out of Water” Variation
This is the most popular addition to the classic game, and it adds a fun layer of strategy.
In the “fish out of water” variation, players are allowed to get out of the pool during the game to avoid being tagged. The catch: If Marco suspects someone has left the water, they can shout “fish out of water!” Any player who is still outside the pool at that moment is immediately out and becomes the new Marco.
A few things to keep in mind if you add this variation: no running on the pool deck, ever. Walking only outside the pool. This rule is non-negotiable for safety, and it is worth reminding all players before the game starts.
If Marco catches multiple people out of the water at the same time, the current Marco decides who takes over the role next.
Marco Polo Safety Rules Worth Reviewing Before You Play
Marco Polo is a low-risk game, but a few safety reminders go a long way, especially with younger players.
Always set boundaries that match the swim level of everyone in the group. No player should be in water deeper than they are comfortable with. No running on the pool deck at any time. Everyone in the group should be honest when tagged. The game only works when players call “Polo” accurately and acknowledge when they have been caught. An adult should always be present and supervising when children are in the pool.
Why Marco Polo Is Great for Young Swimmers
Marco Polo is more than just a fun way to pass time in the pool. It truly builds skills that are useful in and out of the water.
Playing the game encourages kids to move comfortably in the water, change directions quickly, and practice breath control while swimming and responding. The player who is Marco develops spatial awareness and learns to focus and process information in a dynamic, moving environment. For younger swimmers especially, the game builds water confidence in a way that feels completely natural because they are focused on playing, not on the fact that they are swimming.
At Big Blue Swim School, every class ends with a few minutes of free play time. Marco Polo is consistently one of the games our students choose during that time, which is a pretty good endorsement.
How to Make the Game More Fun for Mixed Skill Levels
If your group includes swimmers of different ages and abilities, a few small adjustments make the game more enjoyable for everyone.
Keep the playing area in the shallow end if younger or less experienced swimmers are involved. Give Marco a head start by having them count higher before the round begins, which gives less confident swimmers more time to get comfortable in their position. For very young children, a parent can stay close and help them respond with “Polo” at the right time.
The game is meant to be lighthearted and inclusive. A little flexibility in the rules for the sake of keeping everyone involved is always the right call.
Frequently Asked Questions About Marco Polo
How do you play Marco Polo in the pool?
One player is chosen to be “Marco” and keeps their eyes closed throughout the round. They count to ten, then call out “Marco!” at any point during the game. All other players must respond with “Polo!” to signal their location. Marco uses the sound of the responses to navigate and tag another player. The first person tagged becomes the new Marco.
Why is the pool game called Marco Polo?
The game is named after Marco Polo, the 13th-century Venetian explorer known for navigating unfamiliar territory. The connection is the idea of finding your way without being able to see, relying on sound and instinct instead, which is exactly what the player called Marco does.
What is “fish out of water” in Marco Polo?
“Fish out of water” is a variation where players are allowed to get out of the pool during the game. If Marco suspects someone has left the water and calls “fish out of water,” any player still outside the pool is out and becomes the new Marco.
How many players do you need to play Marco Polo?
You need at least three players for the game to work well: one Marco and at least two others to dodge and respond. The more players, the more fun it becomes.
Is Marco Polo safe for young children?
Yes, with appropriate supervision and the right boundaries in place. Keep the playing area to water depth that is comfortable for all players, enforce no-running rules on the pool deck, and make sure an adult is always present. The game is naturally well suited for children who are comfortable moving around in the water.
What skills does Marco Polo help children develop?
Marco Polo builds water confidence, encourages movement and direction changes in the pool, and develops spatial awareness and listening skills. For the player who is Marco, it also builds focus and the ability to process sound and movement in a fast-moving environment.
Can Marco Polo be played in a backyard pool?
Absolutely. The game works in any pool that gives players enough room to move around. Just set clear boundaries before you start and make sure all players are comfortable with the water depth in the playing area.
Ready to Build Real Swimming Skills? Big Blue Swim School Can Help.
Marco Polo is one of the best parts of being a swimmer. So is having the skills and confidence to enjoy any time in the water, whether that is a pool game with friends or a day at the lake with family. At Big Blue Swim School, we build those skills from the ground up, starting as young as three months old.
Find a Big Blue Swim School location near you and enroll today.