01/08/2026
🦀Our advice on swimming aids
It is at this time of year when we are often asked whether it’s ok to use swimming aids for your children on holiday. I think people are concerned that, because we don’t use things like armbands in a Cheshire swim class, somehow we don’t approve. This is certainly not the case, and as parents ourselves we do understand that swimming aids have their place, especially on holiday. Obviously they should not be relied upon, and we always recommend practising lots of the skills we do in classes every time you’re in the pool, but when you’re on holiday and around swimming pools all the time, swimming aids can be useful.
There are many to choose from, so what would we advise?
SWIMFIN
If you are looking for a swimming aid, we would recommend the SwimFin for children over about two-and-a-half-years. Strap the fin on and your child can wear it in or out of the pool. They do need some getting used to, so it’s worth letting your little one practice with them to learn how to move and float in them, and of course you should never be too far away in the pool any time. If your child is very slight/small these may not be the aid for them, as they do need some strength to use them, but as you'll never be far away, they’re fantastic.
ARMBANDS
Traditional armbands or discs are a good space-saving option and are suitable for children over 18/24 months (depending on their weight and build). Just make sure they are tight enough so they don’t slip off. And try not to have them on for the whole holiday, when you’re playing together in the pool you can take them off and practise some of your skills from class.
SWIM VEST💦
Swim vests are also an option for toddlers and usually children are happy to have them on when they are in and around water. Whilst these aids should not be relied upon, if a child did fall in a pool, it would give you a little extra time to reach them. They aren’t great for practising swimming though as they really restrict their movement, so again only have them on as a safety precaution, and practise lots of skills without it when you can.
WOGGLES
Often in holiday resorts you can buy woggles, so you don’t have to pack one as they’re quite bulky, and are a great option for a little extra support in shallow pools. You can play some of the games we play in class with them too.
FOR BABIES
Generally we wouldn’t recommend swimming aids for babies under 18-months. Swim seats leave babies with their upper bodies out of the water and can lead to them becoming sunburned or cold depending on the weather, and they can tip over SO easily. They also don’t really allow the child to ‘swim’ in the pool at all. Similarly rubber rings offer very little support in the water and can be really unsafe. If a child lifts their arms they will likely slip through and under the water. We really recommend you don’t use either of these options.
In conclusion, the right swimming aid gives toddlers the freedom to splash around and have fun in the water. It goes without saying though that no swim aid should be relied upon to keep your child safe in the water. Even with a swimming aid, you should never be more than an arm’s length from your child when they are in or near the water.
