Floatation devices are always a hot topic in the swim community. We’re here to help you navigate when floatation devices are appropriate and when they are actually negatively impacting your child. So, what’s the truth? 

1). “When should my child wear floatation?"

• In and around natural bodies of water (lakes, oceans, rivers). 

2). “What about at the pool?" 

• Ideally, you should avoid the use of floatation devices in the pool.

3). “Why? Isn’t it safer for my child to be in a floatation device?"

• Nope. Supervised swimming without flotation is the best option. 
• Floatation devices such as puddle jumpers actually hinder your child’s ability to learn how to swim. Are they convenient? Well, in the long run - still no. Not at all. You might be able to enjoy a book by the pool knowing that your child is “safe” in the puddle jumper but the setbacks you will experience in your child’s swim journey simply aren’t worth it. 
• When your child is wearing a puddle jumper their body is forced into a vertical position. This is not a maintainable position for swimming or for self rescue. Simply put, this is the panic or drowning position. 
• As swim instructors, we have spent a lot of time correcting this body position in new students. We spend valuable lesson time correcting improper muscle memory created by time spent in a puddle jumper.

4). If you decide to use a floatation device at the pool - follow these guidelines to help prevent accidents and setbacks. 

• Limit time in floatation. If you are going to go with a device, spend equal time in and out of it. Make sure your child spends time swimming properly to avoid muscle memory confusion and possible regression. 
• Communicate. Make sure your child knows when they are NOT wearing their floatation device. Unfortunately, many accidents happen when a child has a false sense of security created by a floatation device they are no longer wearing. 

5). Adjust your expectations. As parents, we have to view our time at the pool with our little ones as work and an investment. The energy we put in to spending time with our kids in the water pays off. You might even find yourself enjoying the quality time you get when you are engaged in this awesome learning process.

Our goal here is NOT to invoke fear or shame but to empower you as a parent with as much information as we can to help keep your children safe around water. Our goal, as always, is to create a lifelong love for the water.

If you ever have any questions about Swim Safety, reach out. Our director Krysten Call is mom to 6 kiddos and she’s always happy to chat: callk@nashswimacademy.com.

For more information on floatation devices click on the following articles.

"Ditch the Floaties": the Dangers of the Popular "Puddle Jumper"

Puddle Jumpers: More Harm than Good? How floatation devices can be dangerous for your child.