Swim ways for summer days

In these hectic times, it seems we're always on the go. It's nice to come across a company that makes such enticing pool and beach products that we can't help but take a little time to stretch out and unwind. Swim Ways, Virginia Beach, Va., has an appealing line of pool loungers, toys, and accessories to help us ease our way into the lazy days of summer.

If you love relaxing in your backyard hammock and wish you could enjoy its comfort at the beach, pool, or campsite, check out the Kelsyus Portable Backpack Hammock ($99.99). With a durable, featherweight steel frame, it sets up in under a minute. When you're through lounging, the nylon hammock folds into its backpack carrying case for hands-free transport.

Speaking of transporting things, instead of struggling to carry the many essentials needed for a day at the beach or park, try the Kelsyus Backpack Cooler ($39.99). Stow towels, clothes, and other dry goods in its five storage compartments, and keep up to six sodas cold in the separate cooler section. Cleverly, there is a mesh bag which pulls out to keep wet or dirty items separate and, if additional storage is needed, the cooler can be unzipped and carried by its shoulder strap, allowing the backpack compartments to expand.

To float comfortably while reading, relaxing, or socializing in the water, keep cool in the Spring Float SunSeat ($24.99). Unlike other seats that keep you above the pool, the Spring Float cradles loungers in the water so as to stay cool. Its twist 'n fold feature allows for compact storage in a nylon mesh carrying bag and the outer portion has a jet valve for easy inflation and deflation. A similarly fun product is the Spring Float Recliner ($29.99) which sports a backrest, headrest, and ottoman.

Bring your pool to life with colorful, lifelike Rainbow Reef Magic-Action Trigger Fish ($15.99) and Battle Shark ($22.99). The battery-operated fish--clown, angel, and parrot-are engineered to swim underwater, with their back fins skimming the surface as they move. The Battle Shark, available in three different styles, offers faster swimming action for even more fun. What's more, they're water-activated, so they start swimming as soon as they are submerged.

The Toypedo Underwater Glider ($9.99), shaped like a torpedo, relies on the high-tech principles of hydrodynamics found in nuclear submarines to glide up to 40 feet underwater. This solid rubber toy comes in a variety of colors and styles, including an electric flash for underwater color blast action.

For more creative play, there's the Water Dancers ($9.99) and Mystical Mermaids ($19.99). Each battery-powered dancer twirls gracefully while waving her streamers. Princess Elaina and Princess Amber, swim as their fins dip into the water. The Fairy Tails Miniature Mermaids ($6.99) each have wings that flutter and separate hair color and color-coordinated wings, jewelry, top, and fins.

Visit www.swimways.com for more information on Swim Ways products.

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