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Original poster

Would I be unreasonable to warn my family of the dangers of puddle jumpers?

115 replies

LifeOfAShowGirl · 12/08/2025 16:25

We’ve had my two nieces and nephew over today for a day in the pool. My two youngest niece and nephew were sent with puddle jumpers.

Every time I look at them I can’t help but think of the tragic case in America of Trigg Kiser, who drowned in his family’s pool. Part of the reason was speculated to be because of the false sense of security that puddle jumpers create, because they make children feel like they can float, when they can’t. I don’t have children myself, but this case has really made me think about pool safety. Would I be unreasonable to tell them?

OP posts:
MrsMitford3 · 12/08/2025 16:47

LifeOfAShowGirl · 12/08/2025 16:44

I’ve been supervising them all day. But the issue is that they give children a false sense of security - so if theyre alone around water, they think they can jump in

Show quote history

It's my understanding that he did not jump in, he tripped and fell in whilst his father was inside watching sport on telly and placing bets- so he was wholly unsupervised for 10+ minutes

dimsiaradcymraeg · 12/08/2025 16:47

Hate them! We used them with our daughter as we were at a family pool party many years ago. We all got out to get changed and she literally slipped through my fingers and jumped back in the pool (she was a toddler). She went under and was immediately in shock. Luckily she’d had swimming lessons so started to come up and paddle but my lifeguard cousin got her out. It happened in the blink of an eye.

Ive also seen a child get trapped in a hotel swimming pool wearing these as the parents weren’t watching him.

mamagogo1 · 12/08/2025 16:47

my dc had arm bands, they are only unsafe if you leave the children unsupervised. As it happens due to seizures my elder dc was always in arms reach even when she could swim I had to be very close by, as an adult she swims lengths next to me.

GertrudePerkinsPaperyThing · 12/08/2025 16:45

I think all kinds of worn floatation devices or arm bands are against advice now?

Better for parents to always be in water with them and close by until they’re able to swim confidently and are over 8 - they can practise with noodle or float but that parent should be there with eyes on.

Original poster
LifeOfAShowGirl · 12/08/2025 16:44

hmmimnotsurewhy · 12/08/2025 16:42

What happened with the little boy was a pure case of negligence, there was no one supervising the child. Are you saying that no one was supervising the kids in the pool at your house?

I’ve been supervising them all day. But the issue is that they give children a false sense of security - so if theyre alone around water, they think they can jump in

OP posts:
hmmimnotsurewhy · 12/08/2025 16:42

What happened with the little boy was a pure case of negligence, there was no one supervising the child. Are you saying that no one was supervising the kids in the pool at your house?

Original poster
LifeOfAShowGirl · 12/08/2025 16:41

thetooththewholetooth · 12/08/2025 16:40

Surely they are only dangerous if the children weren't being supervised?

It’s not about the supervision, it’s about the false sense of security around water. When they’re not wearing them they believe they can float etc like they do when wearing them, and that’s when the danger presents itself

OP posts:
thetooththewholetooth · 12/08/2025 16:40

Surely they are only dangerous if the children weren't being supervised?

Original poster
LifeOfAShowGirl · 12/08/2025 16:38

ClickClickety · 12/08/2025 16:37

Have you asked the parents why they aren't getting swimming lessons? Could you give the kids an impromptu swimming lesson today?

I tried, but I’m not qualified and don’t want to teach bad habits around water safety. I also don’t think I should have to!

OP posts:
ClickClickety · 12/08/2025 16:37

Have you asked the parents why they aren't getting swimming lessons? Could you give the kids an impromptu swimming lesson today?

Original poster
LifeOfAShowGirl · 12/08/2025 16:33

Seawolves · 12/08/2025 16:31

I think all of those floatation aids create a false sense of security for lots of parents/carers, the dangers should be spoken of more often.

I just don’t know how to bring it up without sounding like a bit of an arsehole. I don’t have kids so I feel like I will. , the first one was put in swimming lessons and they can swim really well, but the others never were. Obviously when they’re at my house it’s an above ground pool and they’re supervised, but I dread to think what could happen on a holiday etc.

OP posts:
TeenToTwenties · 12/08/2025 16:31

They look rubbish for learning to swim with.

Seawolves · 12/08/2025 16:31

I think all of those floatation aids create a false sense of security for lots of parents/carers, the dangers should be spoken of more often.

Original poster
LifeOfAShowGirl · 12/08/2025 16:30

TeenToTwenties · 12/08/2025 16:29

To help me and others, please explain what puddle jumpers are.
I could search, but others will want to know too.

This style of floating device for the pool

Would I be unreasonable to warn my family of the dangers of puddle jumpers?
OP posts:
TeenToTwenties · 12/08/2025 16:29

To help me and others, please explain what puddle jumpers are.
I could search, but others will want to know too.