Summer is here! And so, there has never been a better time to be reminded of water safety over the holidays. With drownings being the second highest cause of deaths in young children, we can’t stress enough the importance of swim safety, supervision and building a strong swimming foundation.
Swim Safety
The water can be a dangerous place... but it doesn’t have to be! The ability to swim confidently is an extremely important life skill that can never compare to the safety that a flotation device could ever offer. Enrolling your child in swimming lessons is an investment that reaps the benefits and ensures life long skills that will keep your little ones safe in the water. Of course, learning to swim doesn't just happen overnight, which is why baby floaties and swimming aids for kids are a great starting point to introduce your child to the water and build their confidence!
This summer we want to reiterate a few key things: Always ensure you are within arms reach of your children, including if they are using floaties. Make use of flotation devices to assist in building confidence in the water. Never leave young children alone in the water, even if they are a confident swimmer.
Floaties and Swim Aids
Floaties and swim aids are great devices to build confidence and help children to get familiar with the water.
Floaties are devices that provide buoyancy, allowing your child to float and stay upright in the water. There are a range of different flotation devices that come in an array of shapes, sizes and appealing designs suited to children of different ages and swimming levels.
Swim aids on the other hand are flotation type devices that are used for strength training in the pool, and are generally used for older children, developing their swimming skills. Swimming equipment such as kickboards and pull buoys for example, don't keep your children afloat like floaties, but instead assist improving technique.
When Should a Child Use Floaties?
Baby floaties can be used as early as three months. This includes armfloats, water wing vests and swim seats designed for this age.
However, most flotation devices are actually designed for kids aged between 1-6, as this is when children start to learn how to kick and move through the water.
Arm floats and swim vests are two of the most common flotation devices for beginners. They are a great tool to use in a pool granted full supervision is given. These blowup bands sit in between the elbow and shoulder, keeping the child in a vertical position. Arm floats are a great flotation device for your child to get familiar with the water and to enjoy the pool on a nice family holiday!
Swim vests are another ideal option when it comes to floatation devices providing optimal buoyancy around the centre of the body. Promoting an upright position, these devices are a great tool for a child learning to move about and get comfortable in the water before moving to floaties that offer less stability. Swim vests are an attractive option in terms of safety and design, they are secure and less likely to come off in the water. Shop our range of cute swim vests from Sunnylife.
When putting floaties on your child it is important that:
- It fits securely.
- The device correlates to the weight and age of the child that will be using it.
- You have read the instructions before using the device.
- You have check for any punctures or defects.
- Adult supervision is present at all times.
Levels of Swim Aids & Training
Other swim aids, such as kickboards and pull buoys, are the last level of swim aids. Over time these devices will present a strong swimmer, building proper technique, skill and strength.
Once a child is comfortable in the water back floats can be used as the next step in swim training. For kids aged 3-10, this swim aid works to teach correct form whilst actively swimming in a horizontal position. Offering less stability, back floats should be used for those who are ready to move on from swim vests and float bands.
To develop swimming technique even further, kickboards can be used. This is a great tool for training in the pool, developing the leg work to build confidence and skill for a full body swim.
Lastly, pull buoys can be used to further enhance swim training. Designed for senior level swimmers aged 16 and above, this type of device will assist in increasing performance in the water through providing buoyancy in the hips. This helps to put the focus on swim strokes, building upper body strength and ensuring proper alignment in the pool.
So stay safe and have fun this summer with our wide array of swim aids and floaties to choose from for your little ones. No matter the journey they're on when it comes to tackling the water, we can help find their perfect accessory!