03/26/2022
Did you know that the US Coast Guard does not even evaluate any flotation devices for use in pools? That’s because flotation devices were never meant to be used in them.
Do not be fooled by the labeling on the device. Even if it says coast guard approved, it does NOT mean it was evaluated for or safe to use in a pool setting.
Flotation devices used in a pool setting cause children to learn bad body posture for swimming and surviving in the water.
They drop kids into the vertical, drowning position and teach them muscle memory for that position. That means any time they go to water, once they have this muscle memory, they will drop into that position automatically, without thinking about it. It is dangerous and very hard to unlearn.
They make little ones think they are “swimming” or “floating” on their own, without help, because the child doesn’t make the connection in their brain that it’s the device that is keeping them up in the water, and not their own ability. We even encourage this by telling them that they are “swimming” when they really aren’t. This gives them far too much confidence around water and a false sense of safety.
They are much more likely to try to get into the water without you or their device, after having used these devices regularly in the pool.
Many of these devices should not even be used in open water either. Water wings, any inflatable children’s device and puddle jumpers are just a few to stay away from entirely.
Open water, such as rivers, lakes and oceans are the ONLY places that flotation devices should ever be used and ONLY US Coast Guard approved life jackets should be worn there.
They should always be worn in open water, by children and adults.
Why there and not the pool?
The pool is controlled water, where kids can practice learning what their own bodies can and can’t do in the water. It is a place to learn to swim.
Open water is uncontrolled and unpredictable. There are strong currents, powerful waves, dangerous entrapment elements under the water like branches and rocks, huge temperature fluctuations, low visibility, sudden drop offs and marine life…all of which make it unpredictable and potentially dangerous on its own, thus the need for the extra protection of a life jacket.
Open water is what life jackets were made for. Keep them there!
What can you do in the pool instead?
1) Skill your child as soon as possible-we recommend survival swim lessons for kids 6 months-6 years old.
2) While your child is a non-swimmer (and this includes during the time they are in the process of learning to swim), never be outside of an arm’s reach of them at any time in or around any water.
3) When they learn to swim, designate a water watcher whose job it is to watch the kids 100% of the time with no talking, texting or distractions of any kind. Switch water watchers every 15 minutes to avoid any attention fatigue.
4) Most child drownings happen when kids aren’t supposed to be in the water. They find a moment when you are distracted and sneak back to the water without you (remember what I said above about that false sense of confidence and safety). For this reason, watch the kids extra closely in the hours after swim time is over.
5) Use barriers like a four sided pool safety fence with a self closing, self latching and locking gate, locks and alarms on all windows and doors that lead to the pool area and make those alarms different from your house alarm so you immediately know if someone is accessing an exit to the water. Don’t forget to lock the dog doors too!
6) If a child goes missing, check the water FIRST! Seconds count with drowning.
7) Learn CPR-it can save their life!!
