Swimming aids can be used in the pool to help your child feel more comfortable in the water. While never a substitute for life preservers, swimming aids can be a step toward independent swimming and give you peace of mind when your child is in or around the water. Besides exploring the type of swimming aid that would be best for your child's ability, learning how to use the aids properly will help to keep your child safe.
Types
You find a variety of swimming aids appropriate for children at sporting goods stores. Some are strictly meant for fun at the pool, like noodles and ride-ons. Others are better to help your child become more confident in the water, like buoyant swimsuits and water wings. Choose swimming aids according to your child's level of expertise in the water. If he's comfortable and experienced in the water, toy-related aids are fine. If he's new to the water, look for learning aids.
Usage
Before you place a swimming aid on your child or give one to your child to use, read the instructions carefully. Improper usage of a swimming aid could result in serious accidents, such as drowning. Know what your child's swimming aid is and isn't capable of and what its primary use should be. Aids that are meant for fun in the pool are drastically different than those meant to help your child learn to swim or to save your child's life.
Safety
Never use a swimming aid in place of a Coast Guard-approved life preserver. These are tested for function and are approved to be used on a certain size of child as a lifesaving device. Pool noodles, water wings and toy inner tubes are not lifesaving devices, so never leave your child unattended, believing the swimming aid will help her stay afloat. Always stay within arm's reach of your child when she's using a swimming aid.
Learning to Swim
Fatal drowning is the second leading cause of death for children ages 1 to 14, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Teaching your child to swim, to be smart around water and to use swimming aids properly are a few of the best tools you can give your child. When you offer your child a swimming aid, teach him to use it properly after you've educated yourself. Horseplay while wearing or using a swimming aid can be extremely dangerous. Build a foundation for water respect while your child is still learning to swim.
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