Use Caution with Inflatable Arm bands: AKA Swimmies, Floaties, or Water Wings

Personally, I’ve always harbored reservations about swimmies, also referred to as floaties or water wings.  While they may seem like a safety net, they can instill false confidence in both children and parents. Children who spend considerable time in the water with swimmies may believe they are swimming unassisted, as no one is physically holding them. Consequently, they might develop the misconception that they can stay afloat even without the aid of these devices, potentially leading to overconfidence near water and risky behaviors, such as unsupervised pool jumping. Moreover, swimmies can create a false sense of security in parents, leading them to believe their child is safe from drowning, thus reducing vigilance when monitoring children in water.

However, there are additional safety concerns.  Swimmies can restrict arm movement, preventing children from pushing themselves or turning themselves in water. Additionally, they promote poor water posture and incorrect swimming techniques, as they keep children in a vertical position known as the “drowning position.” A child who thinks that staying vertical in water is the correct posture will be in serious danger if they enter the pool without the swimmies.

Some children may have the opposite reaction and develop a fear of swimming without them.  If you are trying to teach your children to swim or take them to lessons they may have a harder time adjusting if they are not wearing their familiar gear.

In a recent conversation with Kinsley Evans, the lead swim instructor at a local pool, she highlighted a trend of many children becoming overly reliant on their swimmies and feeling uneasy without them in the water, even when supervised by and adult.  Kinsley recommends adopting a more balanced approach.  If opting to use swimmies, it’s helpful to acclimate children to water without them and holding them afloat with adult hands. By reducing their dependence on swimmmies, children can become more comfortable in the pool without them.  Consequently, when they’re ready to learn to swim, they won’t panic without their floaties and can be more effectively guided by adults in the water.

In conclusion, while swimmies may seem like convenient aids for children who cannot yet swim, it’s essential to approach their use with caution. By understanding the potential risks associated with overreliance on these devices, parents and caregivers can take proactive steps to prepare their children for safe and enjoyable experiences in the pool and help them develop strong swimming skills and confidence in the water.