As we enter the warmer months, many parents will be spending time with their children near the water. Floaties or water wings may seem like a common-sense way to keep young children safe in the water. Unfortunately, this couldn’t be further from the truth. In fact, these products actually pose a significant drowning risk.
According to the Mayo Clinic and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), foam or air-filled toys like water wings, noodles, and inner tubes should not be relied upon to keep children safe in the water. In fact, water wings are not approved by the U.S. Coast Guard and may even be harmful.
At Life Saver Pool Fence, we strongly suggest that parents invest in swimming lessons for their children as a key layer of protection against drowning. Here are four reasons why floaties should not exist.
Floaties or Water Wings Can Pop
Water wings are made of thin plastic and are prone to popping, deflating, or falling off. As a result, parents and guardians who put their trust in these tools can put kids at greater risk. In case of trouble, the children may panic if they have never swum without the aid of water wings.
Water Wings Provide a False Sense of Security
Parents may believe that water wings are keeping their child safe, leading to less active supervision. This can result in tragic accidents if the child’s floaties (or water wings) deflate and the caregiver is not actively supervising the child. In the end, active supervision is one of the most powerful weapons to fight against accidental drowning. Having someone to carefully watch a child’s back is the best protection of all.
Floating Can Be Tricky
Learning to float on one’s back is the first and most important swimming lesson, but water wings keep children in a vertical position, which is not a natural swimming position. This can make it harder for children to learn how to swim later on.
Keeping with this idea, that means that parents should focus on swimming lessons. It’s not to say some tools cannot help, but it is important to remember that skills come first. Survivability starts with lessons. No child should rely on a floatation device as the last and only line of defense. Drowning is scary and happens much more quickly than many of us realize. Be prepared and learn to float. Doing absolutely nothing and floating can be a surprisingly effective safety measure.
Remember that Swimming isn’t an Inherent Ability
If a child wears water wings, they may believe that they can swim when they cannot. Unfortunately, this often leads to overconfidence and ignoring general water safety rules. Predictably, this overconfidence can lead to tragic results.
Other potentially hazardous pool safety devices include pool noodles, swim rings, and inflatable tubes, floats, and rafts. Parents should be cautious when using these items for the same reasons listed above.
If you want to use a floatation device, always use a U.S. Coast Guard-approved life jacket for your child. This, combined with active supervision and the installation of a pool safety fence to ensure safety near the water, can save a child’s life.
Ultimately, the best way to protect your child from drowning is to invest in swimming lessons. By teaching children how to swim and respect the water, parents can give them the skills they need. With proper training, they will be able to enjoy the pool or beach safely. Do not give your child a false sense of security with floaties or water wings. Instead, say no to floaties and yes to swimming lessons before heading to the pool or beach this summer!
