Recommended Goggles and Floaties

Goggles

          Looking at all of those different goggles they have out there can be overwhelming.  Who knows if they're going to work or not and if they're the right size for your child.  Here are the types of goggles I do and don't like and then some Amazon links to specific brands with the best reviews. 

I vote Yes!

Traditional Swim Goggles: These goggles cover both eyes individually and have an adjustable strap. 

Traditional Swim Goggles

The reason I like these:

  • Each eye is individually covered so if one side fills with water, the other side isn't affected
  • Nose is left uncovered for safety
  • Nose is left uncovered to teach proper breath holding under water
  • Sold in many sizes from toddler to adult
  • Have adjustable straps to fit perfectly to head
  • Many Amazon selections can be found with anti-fog, anti-leak, and UV protection


I vote No!

Snorkeling Masks that cover nose: These goggles cover both eyes together with a rubber nose covering. 

Snorkeling Masks that cover nose

The reason I don't like these:

  • If a lifeguard needs to perform CPR, these goggle will need to be removed to get access to the nose.  Removing goggles before CPR takes time away and also gives a greater chance of movement in the event of a spinal injury
  • Everything is connected so if water gets in, everything fills up
  • Delays teaching children how to properly hold breath under water


Floaties

          When choosing what floaties to get for your child, it is important that you do your research and make the appropriate choice based on your child's age and swimming abilities.   All floaties are designed differently so that there are options for everyone.  Make sure when you're picking out your floaties you are reading the intended weight and size requirements to find the correct floatation device for your child.    You also want to look inside for the U.S Coast Guard Approved stamp. 

          Though we don't use floaties during swim lessons, I do believe they are an excellent tool for free swimming at home with the family.  They help create piece of mind that your child will be safe while playing in the water so that you can supervise them hands free.


NOTE: None of these floaties are a replacement for adult supervision and should only be used while an adult is present.

I vote Yes!

Puddle Jumper: Floatation tool that wraps around child's chest and arms to create a balance between safety and comfort for the swimmer.  Puddle jumpers have adjustable straps so you can put them on your child and tighten to fit perfectly so it won't move around while they're playing.

Puddle Jumper

The reason I like these:

  • Clip on and tighten to fit
  • Sold in many size for toddlers and kids
  • Chest and arm support
  • Comfortable and flexible fabric for play
  • Allows for swimming on back or belly
  • Quick drying and mold resistant

Life Jacket: Floatation tool that goes on in the body like a jacket and clips around the body, typically with two straps that come around the chest & stomach and clip.  These straps have the ability to tighten or loosen to the desired size.

Life Jacket

The reason I like these:

  • Top recommended by US Coast Guard
  • Multiple adjustable straps to fit perfectly
  • Sold in all sizes from infant to adult
  • Cover entire torso
  • Promotes laying flat on back or belly while swimming

Noodle: Floatation tool that can be placed under arms and laid on across chest to assist in swimming. 

Noodle

The reason I like these:

  • Provides minimal assistance, good for swimmers trying to get stronger
  • Can be used for different swim exercises
  • Promotes laying flat on belly while swimming


Note: Children are not attached or strapped to noodle in anyway so adults must be within arms reach while in use


I vote No!

Inflatable Arm Floaties: Often referred to as "Water Wings," inflatable arm floaties are a floatation tool that you fill with air and slide on to your child's upper arms to help them float while swimming.  Many don't like these since they are two individual wings that can slide off in the water.

Inflatable Arm Floaties

The reason I don't like these:

  • Can slip off easily
  • Don't come in many different sizes
  • Aren't adjustable
  • Can lose air while playing and lose buoyancy
  • Promotes improper vertical swimming
  • No torso support

Baby Neck Float: Floatation tool that you blow up and place around a baby's neck to keep their head above water.  Makes it so that the baby can float around the pool on their back.  Many people have major safety concerns with this one.

Baby Neck Float

The reason I don't like these:

  • Can create neck strain on the baby's neck
  • Can deflate while in use causing loss of buoyancy and drowning can occur
  • Can deflate while in use and suffocation can occur
  • Promotes vertical body positioning

Donut Floatie: Floatation tool that goes around a child's waist to keep their torso, head, and arms above water.

Donut Floatie

The reason I don't like these:

  • Don't provide any chest or arm support while swimming
  • Not available in many sizes
  • Not adjustable
  • Promotes improper vertical swimming
  • Not easy to get on and off quickly in case of an emergency