Swimming aids & flotation devices

Flotation devices are designed to help a child gain confidence in the water.

Flotation devices are designed to aid adults with children in and around the water until they are water confident.

It is recommended that any flotation aid should only be used for a short period.

Flotation devices and swimming aids are not to be used as a safety device.

Children who can’t swim may drown if their aquatic toy fails or if they do not use it properly. Children are at risk if using a flotation device and not adequately supervised.

There are varieties of flotation devices to choose from.

Armbands: They inflate and fit onto the upper arm. While they need to fit snugly to the arm so as not to slip off some children do find that they hinder their movement if not fitted with the right size.

Ring: Inflated and fits around the waist. It allows for arms and legs free.

Ring with seat: These can offer a feeling of more independence to the child. It is a risk that the seat may be unstable with the possibility of them titling over and because of this, some AUSTSWIM teachers don’t recommend them.

Back bubble: This aid is better suited to children who can swim well enough to be able to be in the forward-tilted position and keep their head clear of the water. Some AUSTSWIM teachers don’t recommend them as the bubble could slip out of position.

Kickboard: More often used in swimming schools or in combination with teaching basic swimming skills.

Vest/suit: They generally contain foam inserts and go around the torso. They are somewhat a difficult option as because young children are top-heavy, they could have difficulty balancing in the water if the suit is too buoyant or not buoyant enough. The vest or suit can also restrict the child’s arm movements.

Adhering to safety tips and guidelines assists a positive water experience.

• When using a flotation device or swimming aid always follow the manufacturer’s age and/or weight recommendations.
• Read the warning labels and packaging carefully and follow instructions for proper assembly and use.
• Flotation devices do need to adhere to the standard applicable that came into effect in Australia in 2010.

• AS 1900-2002

This standard replaces the previous standard (AS 1900-1991).

The standard covers the device for such things as making sure it won’t leak, durability.

The standard ensures flotation devices have clear warning labels. The standard mandates that the flotation device indicates the intended age or weight for the device.

It is the mandatory standard for all flotation and aquatic toys whether they are inflatable, attached or worn in any way.

Be aware that it does not include items that are considered for 14+ years  such as beach balls, surfboards, kick boards, boogie boards or for that matter inflatable boats intended for deep water.

Any type of flotation device is NOT to be used as a safety device. A flotation device should NEVER be used in place of supervision.

The purpose of flotation devices is to help a child gain confidence in the water.

Recommendations are that once they commence swimming lessons and/or gain confidence in the water it is suggested to discontinue using the devices.

A main factor why this is recommended is to not provide a  child with a false sense of security. A flotation device once a child is water confident can hinder them.

The standard applies for swimming and flotation aids which covers labeling for swimming aids.

Swimming aids are categorized as armbands or attached rings or swimming aid vests.

The Australian Standard AS 1900-2002 is a voluntary standard and the new mandatory standard for labeling on these devices is based on Australian Standard AS 1900-2002.

The specifics of the labeling is that the warning must be in capital letters.

For flotation devices it must say: WARNING USE ONLY UNDER COMPETENT SUPERVISION

Whereas for the swimming aid vests and other devices it must say:
WARNING
USE ONLY UNDER COMPETENT SUPERVISION
NOT FOR USE IN BOATING

There is a distinction between a swimming aid and what is considered flotation and aquatic toys such as inflatable novelty shapes, unattached rings, but does not include beach balls, surfboards, body/boogie boards, kick boards, etc.  voluntary standard, except for those sections specifically called up by the mandatory standard, Australian and New Zealand Standard AS/NZS ISO 8124.1:2002

The warning on one of these devices must say:
WARNING
AQUATIC TOY
USE ONLY UNDER SUPERVISION