The use of flotation devices (arm bands, bathing suits with
flotation panels, rings, etc.) is the worst pre-swim lesson experience your
child can have as it allows a child to “swim” in a vertical position through
the water. A vertical swimming posture is not only almost impossible to maintain,
it is the fastest way to sink. Please
DO NOT encourage your child to depend on flotation devices. Enrol them in swim lessons that
will teach aquatic survival skills.
Do you allow your children to use flotation devices? If yes, why?
Can you think of other reasons why flotation devices are hazardous?
Can you think of other reasons why flotation devices are hazardous?
No I think she should learn to swim on her own. In my mind, floatation devices give false sense of security to both parent and child.
ReplyDeleteThat's exactly right.
DeleteI don't. I feel as though any type of flotation devices gives parents and children a false sense of safety and encourage a lack of proper supervision.
ReplyDeleteChildren are very curious and if they get too dependent upon a flotation device for security, should they find themselves in the water alone, they will not be able to self-rescue and panic. It also gives them a very bad swim posture - head up and vertical -vs- the proper swim posture which is head down and horizontal.
DeleteThis is very true. When my son was learning how to swim his teacher always encouraged us to limit the use of his wings as it did indeed make him dependent on them instead of focusing on learning the proper techniques.
ReplyDelete