Safety on the water is always important, especially when children are along for the fun. That’s why, as parents, we should take every step possible to ensure water safety and choose the right swimming aids for our kids.
A child flotation vest is a must to keep your little one safe and secure while learning to swim. It’s an exciting time for them, but it can also be quite daunting, especially if they’re nervous about being in the water. That’s why it’s a good idea to opt for a buoyancy aid that is designed to support them in their natural swimming position and improve their confidence.
Are Float Vests Good for Kids?
You can see both float vests and float jackets used interchangeably, but there is a difference between the two. The term swim vests is used to describe vests that don’t have removable floats and have been designed to flat pack, so they can easily fit into a suitcase. Float jackets, on the other hand, is a term used to describe vests that have removable floats.
Float jackets and vests are designed to help children achieve a natural swimming position when learning to swim, enabling them to go underwater confidently. When they’re able to hold their head above water, you can buy a child flotation vest. It’s great as a holiday learn-to-swim-aid to help the little ones improve their swimming skills while allowing them to move freely and learn the basic motions of swimming.
Float vests are suitable for 2-year-old children and above and are worn over swimming costumes or shorts to help them achieve a natural position in the water and increase their safety during a swimming lesson.
How to Use the Float Vest Right?
Most kids are adventurous and eager to learn new skills in the water, but they need guidance and encouragement. Help them find their balance in the water by holding their hands, and let the vest assist in keeping them afloat as they learn to kick.
When kids have to work to stay up in the water, they learn how to keep themselves afloat. With a swim vest, their bodies naturally begin to find balance and they figure out how to kick their legs and stay upright, and they use their arms in a way they will use them when they take off the vest. As their confidence grows, let go of their hands and let them try to stay afloat using the float vest only.
Simply put, it can help them learn swimming skills while making it all a bit easier and much safer. It doesn’t work like a life vest, but it keeps their head above water level with minimal effort, meaning that they need to work if they don’t want the water in their face. It provides stability and comfort and is also great for children who can already swim but enjoy exploring the water for longer periods.
How to Choose a Swim Vest for Your Kid
A float vest is simple and easy to use; pulls on like a waistcoat and zips up at the front. It fits snuggly around the kid’s chest and back, providing buoyancy and security. Ensure the vest fits correctly, so it won’t ride up and cover your child’s chin. Check if it has a secure safety tab across the top of the zip to prevent kids from undoing it.
To begin with, choose a reliable brand as water safety is not something to be compromised under any circumstances. Make sure to do some research before making a purchase and always go for a brand trusted by parents. Beware of fake positive reviews, though.
Choose a swim aid appropriate for your kid's size and weight. A float suit that is too small may not work properly and may pose a risk of injury or suffocation.
Look for a vest that features gentle, scratch-free materials that are both high-quality and durable. Check it regularly for any signs of damage or wear and tear and replace it if necessary.
Also, consider if the type of vest is the right one for the level of a swimmer your child is. Not all swim vests are created equal and depending on your kid's age and skill level, different swim aids may be more suitable and effective than others.
Are Float Vests and Life Jackets the Same?
It’s important to note that float jackets and vests are not the same as life jackets. They are not life-saving devices and are not a substitute for life jackets. Life jackets are designed to keep a person who is moving or not moving in the water, in an upright position, with their hand above the water.
Final Thoughts
Swimming is a great skill and a super fun activity everybody loves, both kids and adults. But learning to swim can be a challenging experience for many, for some even scary, especially for young children. Swim aids are essential tools to help them develop their swimming abilities and enjoy the process safely, so make sure to choose them carefully.
Keep in mind that it’s most important to always supervise children when near or in water. And remember that swim vests and other buoyancies are not safety devices and should never be used in place of adult supervision.
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