You have likely been at a pool and watched kids bob up in down in their lifejackets. Most likely in a puddle jumper. You may have also heard they are terrible devices for swimming. Why is that? Let’s answer some questions and look at better options to use for your next pool day.

A puddle jumper is a Coast Guard-approved life jacket. It was arm cuffs, a front chest piece, and a secure buckle on the back. These devices are excellent choices for water safety for activities like boating, kayaking, paddleboarding, and more!

A life jacket sounds like a great idea around water, especially a pool. Let’s chat about why this isn’t the case and what I recommend instead.

This specific style of a lifejacket (along with other PFDs) is that they are safe, keep your child’s head out of the water and are Coast Guard Approved

The problem with this style of life jacket (along with other vests and water wings) is they keep your child vertical in the water. This is referred to as the drowning position. Scary, right?

These devices also give your child a false sense of confidence. They are floating, kicking, and having fun one minute. They remove (0r someone else removes) the puddle jumper, they dive in and can’t swim. What happens next?

Of course, I recommend you enroll your child in group swim lessons, private swim lessons, or teach your child how to swim. If you aren’t sure where to begin with teaching your child, I recommend THIS book. I’m a bit biased since I wrote the book. I lay out all of the best teaching tips to give your child a safe, fun, confident swimming experience.

I know that you may have multiple children and still need some type of flotation device. I recommend this Swimming Backpack. Unlike the puddle jumper, with the backpack, your child can float, use their arms, and begin to be more horizontal in the water. You can also remove a layer as your child becomes more confident. It’s a great tool to give a little confidence while also aiding your child in learning how to swim.

Do you have more questions? Let’s chat! I’m here to help you all along your swimming journey. Send me an email.