Hidden Danger of Floaties for Drowning Prevention
By Lisa Zarda
As most cities across the U.S. brace for the dog days of summer, warmer weather also signifies the start of the swimming season. For many families with young children, floaties are a rite of passage. But did you know these swimming aids can actually increase the risk of accidental drowning?
Many parents believe using floaties or water wings is a water safety strategy in the pool or at the beach. In the drowning-prevention community, we dread hearing the other “f-word”: floaties. These seemingly harmless toys can give responsible parents a false sense of security with the assumption that the inflatables will keep their kids safe and help teach them to swim. That simply isn’t true.
While floaties can keep a child’s upper body afloat, they do not support the lower body. This imbalance can cause a child to tip forward and submerge their face in the water. This is particularly dangerous for young swimmers who may not have the instincts to lift their heads. Floaties prevent a horizontal position essential for effective swimming techniques.
Children who wear floaties may become overconfident in their swimming abilities and take dangerous risks. Floaties can also easily slip off or become deflated without warning. An ill-fitting floaty or one that suddenly loses air can leave a child vulnerable in the water.
Floaties also hinder the natural movement of children in the water. They often limit a swimmer’s range of motion, making it difficult for children to learn proper swimming techniques.
According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), drowning is the leading cause of death for children one to four years old and the second leading cause of death for children ages five to 14.
The best way to prevent accidental drowning is to attend formal swimming lessons. Research shows swimming lessons for children aged one to four years can decrease the accidental drowning risk by 88%. Swim lessons provide safety skills and teach proper swimming techniques essential for keeping children safe in the water.
It can be dangerous as a parent to think you will always have your eyes on your child. Nine out of 10 drowning deaths occur when a caregiver is supervising but not fully paying attention. For ultimate safety, parents should always designate an adult “water watcher” whose sole purpose is to keep a close eye on kids while they are in the water. If your child goes missing, always check the pool first. Nearly 70% of toddler drownings happen during non-swim times.
Drowning can happen in seconds and is often silent, but it is also preventable. Now is the perfect time to enroll your children in swimming lessons before the summer gets underway. It’s also a great time for parents to consider taking adult swimming lessons. Improving your swimming skills and comfort in the water can save a life. It’s never too late to learn to swim.
Lisa Zarda is the Executive Director of the U.S. Swim School Association. The network of trusted swimming schools can help children of all ages develop confidence and competence in the water, ensuring they have a fun and safe swimming experience all summer long. Visit the U.S. Swim School Association’s website at https://usswimschools.org for a comprehensive list of schools that offer swim lessons in your area.
