Swimming Safety

[hallomums]

Hi,

I'm an A level Student studying Design Technology and for my coursework I am looking at safety equipment that people use whilst swimming such as armbands or lifejackets.

I personally love playing waterpolo and recently trained as a lifeguard so would really love to improve the experience of others.

I would love to hear any thoughts and opinions on safety equipment available for children and also adults. Also if you have any suggestions for improvements on current lifesaving accessories.

Thank you,
Ellie :)

My DS currently uses arm bands (he is 3.5) and these have given him lots of confidence and independence in the water. He has previously used a life jacket type vest, which was good too and when he was a baby we had a ring for him. Different devices for different stages I guess! He is already keen to move past using armbands so o wonder if there is something ‘next stage’ that would help him to then swim unaided.

I've just bought a tow float / swimming buoy for open water swimming. They float behind you without much drag and some of them have a waterproof section where you can put your valuables etc. They're brightly coloured so ppl know you're there, and you can hang onto them as a buoyancy aid if you need a rest. Hoping to do a bit more river swimming/paddling this summer and I've seen quite a few ppl using them.