What You Need to Know About the Dangers of a Toddler Swim Vest

Written by Sarah Sebe — 8 min read

Did you know that drowning is the #1 cause of accidental death for children ages 1-4 years old and 88% of drownings occur with at least 1 adult present? Most don't have formal swimming lessons; instead, kids rely on a toddler swim vest, puddle jumpers, or other flotation devices to swim.

With this guide, you'll learn the risks associated with those devices and why you should be wary of letting your child use them. From holding kids in a vertical position to creating a false sense of security, flotation devices do not ensure that your child can swim properly.

Now, are you ready to learn how? Here's an in-depth look at the hazards of flotation devices:

Kids Are Put in a Vertical Position with a Toddler Float Vest

Swim vests often hold children in an upright position, which many consider to be a nice advantage since it keeps kids stable in the water. However, what many don't realize is that vertical position is a drowning position.

By wearing the kids swim vest, children are taught that to swim; you must remain vertical. That's where it can get dangerous, especially if a child forgets the flotation device. No matter if the device is on or not, children will automatically go to an upright position due to their muscle memory. In fact, drowning can take place at a faster rate because of how a child is positioned in the water.

Thus, it's imperative that children learn from an experienced professional rather than a "swim aid" the proper position to swim and float. That way, kids won't be at a greater risk of drowning.

Puddle Jumpers Prevent Kids from Learning How to Swim Properly

Puddle jumpers are popular for helping children develop an inefficient and incorrect swimming posture. For example, when using puddle jumpers life jackets, kids are most likely to bicycle their legs and arms in order to propel themselves through the water. However, by doing so, they're expelling lots of energy which they can't sustain by themselves.

Also, puddle jumpers do not teach kids to reach in front of them to start any swimming stroke. The swimming stroke is an essential part of the swimming process since it helps kids develop breathing techniques and controls the amount of energy spent. Not learning the key swimming postures puts children in danger of serious injury and even drowning.

A Toddler Swim Vest Can Create a False Sense of Security

Puddle jumpers, toddler learn to swim vests, and even arm floaties create a false narrative for both children and adults. For children, it builds their confidence allowing them to think they can swim when in actuality, they can't.

Children haven't been taught the correct swimming postures, but they don't know that. So when the opportunity presents itself, children are more likely to go into the water without their flotation devices, thinking they can swim on their own.

For parents, the false sense of security lies with the sense that they think their child is safe because of the device. Thus, parents may let their guard down and be less vigilant when it comes to watching their child.

For instance, parents may become distracted and furthermore feel like they can do so because their child is in no danger. After all, they are just having fun, right?

However, children who wear flotation devices don't know how to swim properly. If taken off, drowning could occur in as little as 20 seconds.

Parents shouldn't rely solely on arm floaties, puddle jumpers, or even a swim vest to help children swim. Instead, children should learn how to hold their breath underwater,flutter kick,back float, and even tread water. That way, they can swim safely and properly.

Devices Are Not Durable

Another reason why flotation devices shouldn't be trusted is because they're not durable. They can easily fail without warning. For example, toddler floaties could be snagged on the edge of the pool or a sharp rock and deflate.

Water wings can slide off of a child's arms or belts on a puddle jumper can come released if not fashioned tightly. Flotation devices are not 100% reliable. Most packages of floaties for kids even come with standard warnings like "While in use never leave your child unattended."

Thus, flotation devices are marketed as a must-have for children, although they're not completely sturdy or safe. In fact, some are even made with cheap materials.

They Contribute to Water Phobia

Flotation devices also contribute to water phobia since it prevents water from touching a child's face. Since children aren't used to water on their faces, some kids could act irrationally.

Especially in an emergency situation, if water hits their face, a child may panic or freeze due to the water. Also, they might not be able to help themselves due to the fear and panic experienced by the water.

Enroll Your Child in a Swim Class Today

You might want to steer clear of those pattern floaties or that cute, brightly colored toddler swim vest. Devices like those are not a secure way for kids to swim. Instead, they pose an increased danger to young kids.

In fact, flotation devices teach kids an incorrect swimming posture and give kids a false sense of confidence. As a beginner swimmer, all kids should learn from a swim instructor. In a swim class, kids can learn swim strokes, water safety skills, how to hold their breath underwater, and other fun activities.

If you have a child that needs to learn how to swim, sign up for swimming lessons at your home or community pool today! One of our experiencedSunsational Swim Instructors will teach your child how to swim the right way and come to the convenience of your own pool!