Parents often rely on flotation devices--like water wings, inflatable rings and flotation swimsuits--to give their children some independence in the water while they learn to swim. These devices can make trips to the swimming pool fun for the entire family by freeing up parents to relax a bit and enjoy the pool while their children play in the water and float about. While flotation swimwear is convenient for parents, Dr. Steven Dowshen of Kids Health cautions that swimwear not specifically approved by the U.S. Coast Guard fails to provide effective protection against drowning.
Significance
Dr. Dowshen states that 1,000 children die each year due to drowning with many of the deaths occurring in home pools. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control asserts that the safest way to protect your child when in and around water is through constant vigilance, proper swimming instruction and the use of a U.S. Coast Guard approved flotation device when in and around water. While a few children's flotation swimsuits carry this approval, most do not---making it imperative that parents never rely upon this type of swimwear to protect their children from drowning.
Types
Most children's flotation swimwear consists of one-piece construction with foam inserts sewn into the body of the garment. Since the manufacturers sew the foam inserts into the interior of the garment, children can usually not remove them. Look for suits with foam in both the front and back of the swimsuit to help keep your child upright in the water. Purchasing a suit in a bright color can improve your child's visibility, making it easier to keep track of them in the water.
Considerations
A June 2010 "Parents" magazine article on pool safety cautions that children wearing water wings and flotation swimsuits can potentially flip upside down in the water, which can lead to drowning if children lack the strength and coordination to turn themselves back around. Make sure you always stay within arm's reach of a child wearing a flotation swimsuit.
Misconceptions
Very thin or small children might slip out of these types of swimsuits so always check the fit and the manufacturer's suggested height/weight ranges before purchasing one for your child. Also, check with the pool or swimming center you plan on attending to verify they allow the type of flotation swimsuit you select. To minimize the risk of drowning, some pools only allow children to wear Coast Guard approved flotation devices.
Prevention/Solution
By following some basic safety tips provided by SafeKids USA, you can help protect your child from accidental drowning. Keep your eyes on your child at all times, even if she is wearing a life vest or flotation swimsuit. Put your hand on babies and toddlers while in the pool and keep all children under the age of 5 within arm's reach. Know how to perform CPR on a child---check with your local YMCA or Red Cross for classes.
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