Why Life Jackets and Arm Bands in the Pool Are a Bad Idea (You Might Be Surprised!)

For  National Water Safety Month we take a look at an issue that has created a lot of confusion for parents and caregivers: using life jackets and arm bands for children in the pool. With so many people voicing different opinions (and for different reasons), we want to let you know our position on the subject, as well as our reasoning.

There are arguments for and against using these devices, however Texas Swim Academy recommends against children learning to swim using life jackets and arm bands in the pool for two significant reasons:

False sense of security.  This is as much a reminder to parents and caregivers as it is to children: life jackets and arm bands are not foolproof safety devices. These items can unexpectedly deflate, shift position or come undone and create a drowning hazard. Don’t let these devices lull you or your child into a false sense of security, stay focused on the water and the swim instruction.

May create dependence.  Children who habitually use life jackets or arm bands in the pool tend to become dependent on them, which creates a feedback loop in which swimming skills stagnate and the child fails to develop in the water. Disallowing these devices forces children to focus on their skills and technique in the water, which we feel accelerates development and eliminates bad swim habits that might arise.

Classes at Texas Swim Academy are very small, instructors are highly trained and sessions are supervised to ensure safety is our number one priority – children in our care are safer and earn more effectively without life jackets and arm bands than they would using them.

As National Water Safety Month continues, please take any opportunity you can to focus with your children on issues of safety and accident avoidance. Use these  water safety worksheets for kids  to explore additional areas and raise general awareness. For our next blog, we will continue to focus on water safety with a look at the differences between pool swimming and beach swimming. Enjoy the water with your kids and stay safe!

SWIM SCHOOL IN KATY 

Texas Swim Academy is the best swim school near me offering result-oriented swimming lessons in Katy that cater to all ages and abilities. Our well-trained and experienced swimming instructors provide a variety of programs for infants through adulthood. For the little ones, we offer swimming lessons for babies and swimming lessons for toddlers focused on survival swimming skills to build a strong water safety foundation and foster water confidence at a young age. Once your child knows how to swim, our swim lessons for children will help refine techniques and build endurance, as the consistent practice of their swimming skills is an imperative part of becoming a strong swimmer. 

Our adaptive aquatics program is designed for children of all ages and abilities to ensure every child, including children on the autism spectrum, can benefit from these fundamental skills and enjoy the water in a safe and comfortable environment. Adults seeking to improve their swimming prowess or learn how to swim for the first time can enroll in adult swim lessons tailored to their specific goals.

Our swim lessons near me are a convenient and accessible way for you and your family to learn how to swim in a comfortable environment. Our dedicated instructors are passionate about teaching and ensuring your progress in the water. Take a few minutes to view Our Swimmer Stories to learn more about what other families are saying about their experience with Texas Swim Academy. 

Contact us to learn more about our programs or stop by our state-of-the-art swimming facility in Katy to register today. Be sure to follow our Facebook, Twitter, and YouTube pages for important news, updates, and swimming safety tips, and read our blog to keep up-to-date with important information on water safety and proper swimming lessons.