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Marco Polo


Game played by children around swimming pool. The one who is 'he', is out of water with eyes shut, and calls out 'Marco', repeatedly, (endlessly!), and those in pool reply 'Polo'. 'He' tries to catch the others by the sounds of their voices - they then become 'he'. If 'he' calls out 'fish out of water' and one of the others is out of the pool, that one becomes 'he'. Games can last hours, to the wit's end of parents. Primary school ages, late 70's, early 80's, Perth (probably still played).

Contributor's comments: I played this in Sydney circa 1995.

Contributor's comments: Apparently still in common use, played Marco Polo in Victoria with our kids (who live in Queensland) during summer 2003...and yes, it can be played endlessly.

Contributor's comments: Sydney, 1980s: definitely in use by my neighbours' children!