Whether you're looking to aid your workout or simply want to keep yourself safe in the water, smaller swimming floats can be a good item to add to your pool bag. However, various types of swimming floats abound, and some are best kept in or near the pool. Whichever type of pool float you use, they break down into specific categories depending on what you need the swimming float to do when you're in the water.
Safety Devices
If you have a small child and want her to be water safe or if you are just learning to swim, use a swim float to help you. However, never move more than an arm's length from your child. While a swim float can help her remain above the water, it should never be solely relied upon for safety.
Swim floats of this type include arm floaties that you inflate and have your child wear on her upper arm. Be mindful as these can slip off a child's arm if she begins to paddle vigorously. Inner tube-like rings are also popular as safety devices. If you buy one with a seat, it can be fun to push your child around the pool. However, a child can slip through one of the legs if there's a vigorous wave or if she begins to nod off, so keep a close eye to avoid any potential for drowning.
The safest option is a personal flotation device, or PFD, that is approved by U.S. Coast Guard. The Coast Guard lists these devices on its website.
Ride Ons
A ride-on swimming float is useful for an active swimmer who is pool safe. These types of floats make a day at the pool fun and provide a needed resting spot for adults as well. Such swimming floats include chaise lounges, some of which are quite sophisticated with drink holders and sections that dip into the water to keep you cool on a hot day, as well as inflatable toys that entertain the kids.
Examine any ride-on toy for rough patches or sharp seams to avoid any injuries when riding. In addition, watch children carefully to ensure that they don't try to stand on the toy near its edge as often the floats become slippery when in the water.
Exercise Floats
Swimming floats that help you with a swim workout include pull buoys and kickboards. Pull buoys aid your upper body strength by floating your lower body and enabling a pull workout, where you can focus on your pull technique. Kickboards, conversely, help you focus on your kick technique by keeping your upper body buoyant. When working out, consider these two swimming floats as essential aids to help improve your technique and strengthen the different aspects of your stroke.
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