Swimming: what Equipment do you need?

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Never leave a child unattended near or in water — even for a moment — as it can result in drowning.

What Equipment does your child need for the pool?

Your child needs to feel comfortable when you take them to the swimming pool. Only you know what they will and will not tolerate, but to give you a sense of what you might think about taking to the pool or sea, below is a sample packlist of the swimming equipment you will need:

🏊 Swimming Diapers/Nappies (age dependent): These are often mandatory in public pools for toddlers.

🏊 Swimsuit: Make sure you choose something comfortable – and that they like. Also, it’s worth checking if there are any regulations about the type of swimwear children can use in your local pool.

🏊 Swimming Cap: Although not usually necessary, swim caps are mandatory in some countries and sometimes in swimming lessons. They can help keep hair away from your child’s face.

🏊 Goggles: Some children will tolerate them, some won’t. They do help with eye comfort, particularly in chlorinated pools. A basic pair of goggles is a good thing to take.

🏊 A Bag: A waterproof bag is always useful for carrying wet clothes.

🏊 Flotation device: We’re looking at those next…

Swim rings are fun and familiar for children, but they need supervision.

Choosing a Swim Aid for your child

This is one of the most important pieces of swimming equipment you will buy. It is vital to understand the difference between a certified safety device and a learn-to-swim aid or pool toy.

Certified Personal Flotation Devices (PFDs) or Life Vests: These are life-saving devices. They are designed and officially tested to keep a child’s head above water. Look for a recognized safety standard label (like a CE mark in Europe, U.S. Coast Guard approval in the USA, or other national safety certifications). For non-swimmers or weak swimmers near any body of water, a certified PFD is the safest choice.

Swim Aids (Noodles, Kickboards, Belts): These are tools for learning, not life-saving devices. They should only be used under direct, constant supervision to help a child practice a specific skill.

Pool Toys (Inflatable Rings, Arm Bands): These are for recreation only and should never be relied on for safety.

When buying any flotation device, always buy from a reputable retailer. Never leave your child unattended in the water, even when they are using a safety device.

Common Swim Aids and Toys: Pros and Cons

Buoyancy Vests / Puddle Jumper-Style Vests

The Best Choice for Non-Swimmers’ Safety. Look for models that are certified to a national safety standard. These combine chest flotation with attached arm bands and are designed for safety.

🏊 Positives: Offers balanced buoyancy and is designed to keep a child’s head out of the water. Gives children freedom to move and splash confidently.

🏊 Drawbacks: Can sometimes encourage a vertical posture, so it’s important to still practice horizontal swimming with hands-on support.

Arm Bands (“Water Wings”)

🏊 Positives: They are inexpensive and easy to pack.

🏊 CRITICAL DRAWBACK: These are not safety devices. They can provide a dangerous false sense of security, can slide off or deflate suddenly, and teach a vertical “drowning posture” rather than a safe, horizontal swimming position. Most swim safety experts worldwide strongly advise against using them.

Pool Noodle

🏊 Positives: Fun, versatile, and excellent for helping a child practice floating on their front or back with a parent’s help.

🏊 Drawbacks: Offers very limited support and requires constant hands-on supervision. It is a swim training tool, not a life-saving device.

Kickboard

🏊 Positives: A great tool for older children to practice their kicking technique and build leg strength.

🏊 Drawbacks: Requires balance and is intended for swimmers who are already comfortable in the water. It offers minimal flotation and is a training tool, not a safety aid.

Swim Rings and Inflatables

🏊 Positives: They are fun and familiar for children.

🏊 Drawbacks: These are toys, not safety equipment. They can easily tip over, and a child can slip through the middle. They should never be used as a substitute for a certified safety vest or adult supervision.

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