Floaties?

[Erica Burdon]

Because, back then, they were not allowed.


And, IMO, it's a mistake. They are NOT safe for young children.

I agree! I don’t think they’re safe either, I’m actually surprised Disney allows them now! I’d have thought they’d only allow Coast guard approved devices!

 

[Dug720]

The argument could be made that the "Coast Guard" designation applies to everything in that list... I did find one thing that's like a loop around the torso connected to arm things that is Coast Guard approved.

 

[Erica Burdon]

The torso loop with the arms is a puddle jumper. Those are Coast guard approved. Water wings are definitely not Coast guard approved yet still allowed according to DCL website. They don’t make Coast guard approved water wings. Puddle jumpers are completely different.

 

[lanejudy]

The argument could be made that the "Coast Guard" designation applies to everything in that list...

I agree. That’s how I read the list as well. “Personal floatation device” is the more technical term. When I Google “water wings” I get results for both Puddlejumpers (a CG approved pdf) and the inflatable arm bands. DCL may be using more generic terms but noting it must be CG-approved. As a former lifeguard I would never allow the inflatable arm bands and I don’t understand why some parents continue to insist they are safe after explanation.

Not sure why the need to dredge up a 3.5 year old thread just to bicker product names...?

 

[Erica Burdon]

I was researching what’s allowed on the Ship as I’m going in a few weeks, I found it confusing but ultimately I want to make sure I bring the correct items for my children. The post wasn’t dredged up to bicker over product names. I think it’s more useful when posts are updated in case someone else is doing research so they have accurate and up to date info. The more helpful information out there the better, I’m sure many use this site as a resource.

 

[lanejudy]

The wording on the DCL website hasn’t changed. I have always understood “Coast Guard approved” to apply to the whole list; you interpret “water wings” to be completely separate from that phrase. To my knowledge the rule has not changed.

 

[PrincessShmoo]

The wording on the DCL website hasn’t changed. I have always understood “Coast Guard approved” to apply to the whole list; you interpret “water wings” to be completely separate from that phrase. To my knowledge the rule has not changed.

But apparently the interpretation of it has......

At least to some people.

 

[hpsalb]

While I am also not a fan of “water wings,” I have noted from spending a bit of time near pools that these are most often used on toddlers and small children. So I just wanted to point out that all of the pools currently have a policy that children must be potty trained AND at least three years of age.

We did have at least one lifeguard doing age checks at the Mickey slide in our last cruise, so I don’t think it’s a stretch that it could be done at the pool also.

 

[Erica Burdon]

The wording on the DCL website hasn’t changed. I have always understood “Coast Guard approved” to apply to the whole list; you interpret “water wings” to be completely separate from that phrase. To my knowledge the rule has not changed.

Because water wings are NOT coast guard approved ever. That’s why it couldn’t possibly apply to the entire list. Water wings aren’t a safe flotation device and absolutely aren’t coast guard approved. That’s not an interpretation that’s a fact. That’s why I find it odd they’re on the list.

 

[Erica Burdon]

But apparently the interpretation of it has......

At least to some people.

I’m sure you know though that water wings aren’t coast guard approved?

 

[Erica Burdon]

While I am also not a fan of “water wings,” I have noted from spending a bit of time near pools that these are most often used on toddlers and small children. So I just wanted to point out that all of the pools currently have a policy that children must be potty trained AND at least three years of age.

We did have at least one lifeguard doing age checks at the Mickey slide in our last cruise, so I don’t think it’s a stretch that it could be done at the pool also.

My youngest is 4 1/2 and just learned how to swim just not well enough that she can last maybe more than 20 minutes without flotation. I’m trying to research the best options for her at the pools. She is too advanced for a puddle jumper and absolutely doesn’t need a life vest to swim in a pool but I’m not sure I want to bring nothing. I’m trying to find the best in between option and upon researching came across this thread. I’d prefer to bring her old Y swim bubble because that’s the perfect in between but the DCL list doesn’t mention it. I’m not sure how people are interpreting the entire list to be Coast guard approved when flotation sewn into bathing suits aren’t coast guard approved either....again if Disney intended to mean all devices need to be Coast guard approved I’m just not sure why they didn’t end it at that, it makes it very confusing otherwise for those not knowing what to bring. Ended up sending an email to our cast member to get clarification! Just want to be prepared as well as we can. I will probably bring puddle jumper and use it when she starts to tire. I would bring water wings but everything is saying here they aren’t allowed so I won’t chance it.

 

[DietCokeMommy]

My youngest is 4 1/2 and just learned how to swim just not well enough to be an Olympic swimmer. I’m trying to research the best options for her at the pools. She is too advanced for a puddle jumper and absolutely doesn’t need a life vest to swim in a pool but I’m not sure I want to bring nothing. I’m trying to find the best in between option and upon researching came across this thread. I’d prefer to bring her old Y swim bubble because that’s the perfect in between but the DCL list doesn’t mention it. I’m not sure how people are interpreting the entire list to be Coast guard approved when flotation sewn into bathing suits aren’t coast guard approved either....again if Disney intended to mean all devices need to be Coast guard approved I’m just not sure why they didn’t end it at that, it makes it very confusing otherwise for those not knowing what to bring. Ended up sending an email to our cast member to get clarification! Just want to be prepared as well as we can.

I have a son that’s just a little older than your daughter. My advice would be to not bring the arm bands and to start out with the vests when you’re on the ship. I know with my son as he gets more and more tired his swimming gets worse. My philosophy when we’re on vacation is that I want to optimize for keeping him safe. The pools can be chaotic and I like to let him run around and get in and out without having to be next to him every second. Home/Y is for working his his swimming skills. If you swim at off times on the ship when the pool is quiet, like in the evening, you could have her skip the vest and just keep a close eye on her.

 

[lanejudy]

I’m not sure how people are interpreting the entire list to be Coast guard approved when flotation sewn into bathing suits aren’t coast guard approved either.

There are Coast Guard approved swimsuits with sewn-in flotation -- Aqua Force is one brand, there may be others.

I think you are using a more specific definition of "water wings" to mean only the inflatable arm bands. I believe DCL intends that term to be more generic and inclusive of other styles of arm band flotation devices. What would you use as a generic descriptor of a Stearns Puddlejumper? Because that is one specific brand name and there are other brands of similar products which are Coast Guard approved (both Speedo and Body Glove have versions, neither is technically a "Puddlejumper"). Google "water wings" and at least one-third of results will show a Puddlejumper-style product. Also, keep in mind that DCL has a global audience and terminology may differ in different cultures/countries.

 

[Erica Burdon]

I have a son that’s just a little older than your daughter. My advice would be to not bring the arm bands and to start out with the vests when you’re on the ship. I know with my son as he gets more and more tired his swimming gets worse. My philosophy when we’re on vacation is that I want to optimize for keeping him safe. The pools can be chaotic and I like to let him run around and get in and out without having to be next to him every second. Home/Y is for working his his swimming skills. If you swim at off times on the ship when the pool is quiet, like in the evening, you could have her skip the vest and just keep a close eye on her.

Thank you! I will definitely bring her puddle jumper just in case! It’s so hard when they’re in between phases like they know how to swim but still not strong enough to last long without flotation! I wish we could bring the bubble, she’s so comfortable in that and it’s easy for her to swim with. Life jackets are tough because she can’t go under and that’s what she loves to do, they’re so restrictive.

 

[Erica Burdon]

There are Coast Guard approved swimsuits with sewn-in flotation -- Aqua Force is one brand, there may be others.

I think you are using a more specific definition of "water wings" to mean only the inflatable arm bands. I believe DCL intends that term to be more generic and inclusive of other styles of arm band flotation devices. What would you use as a generic descriptor of a Stearns Puddlejumper? Because that is one specific brand name and there are other brands of similar products which are Coast Guard approved (both Speedo and Body Glove have versions, neither is technically a "Puddlejumper"). Google "water wings" and at least one-third of results will show a Puddlejumper-style product. Also, keep in mind that DCL has a global audience and terminology may differ in different cultures/countries.

Thank you! Yes where I live puddle jumper is very different from water wings, they’re two totally different things, at every swim lesson location here in MA, it’s enforced to parents to not confuse the two because water wings aren’t safe nor Coast guard approved but puddle jumpers are. The definition of a puddle jumper is a Coast guard approved flotation device, I’ve always described it that way because that’s how their websites describes it. I wouldn’t use water wings and puddle jumpers interchangeably and Stearns makes it known they aren’t simply water wings, we love that brand! I bet many parents think DCL allows the basic water wings and brings them on board for use. I almost did based on their website description. For anyone in New England it’s misleading because we know the two as separate devices.

 

[Erica Burdon]

There are Coast Guard approved swimsuits with sewn-in flotation -- Aqua Force is one brand, there may be others.

I think you are using a more specific definition of "water wings" to mean only the inflatable arm bands. I believe DCL intends that term to be more generic and inclusive of other styles of arm band flotation devices. What would you use as a generic descriptor of a Stearns Puddlejumper? Because that is one specific brand name and there are other brands of similar products which are Coast Guard approved (both Speedo and Body Glove have versions, neither is technically a "Puddlejumper"). Google "water wings" and at least one-third of results will show a Puddlejumper-style product. Also, keep in mind that DCL has a global audience and terminology may differ in different cultures/countries.

Body Glove and Aqua Force makes similar to puddle jumpers. Regular swim suits that most children wear with the flotation sewn in aren’t coast guard approved. I do know what you’re referring to but I’m thinking of something different. Many parents buy their little kids swimsuits with a float attached inside but they aren’t the coast guard approved ones. I was referring to those. But I totally see what you mean about global interpretation being very different! I just want to make sure I bring what’s safe but also what’s allowed and also what my daughter would have fun swimming in she’s at a tough stage because at home she wouldn’t need anything. On board I’m just not sure. At Disney resorts she wears a swim bubble and that’s allowed.

 

[lanejudy]

We all tend to think about things as we know them, what we are most familiar with, but in a broader diverse culture there often are other meanings or interpretations (i.e., the soda vs pop vs coke debate). DCL is not promoting any one brand of Coast Guard approved device, therefore their rules use broader generic terminology. I'm sure your daughter will be fine as you seem to be very conscientious about her safety in the water.

Just be aware that the pools onboard are "kid soup" and there is little to no actual "swimming" that can occur. You may find the Mickey pool isn't even waist-deep on your child, so it's mainly sitting and splashing around. As for the family pool, it is deeper but not terribly big, and in my experience so many people are sitting or hanging onto the edge making the center that much less safe because a young one can't get to an edge. My DD won't go in it and she's now 14.

As for beaches, other than Castaway Cay, you are welcome to use whatever swimming aid you choose. DCL has no control over rules for the local beaches at port stops. The family beach at Castaway Cay is still relatively shallow except at Pelican Plunge, and at that age I would put her in a lifevest if you opt to take her out to the slides.

Enjoy your vacation!

 

[Erica Burdon]

We all tend to think about things as we know them, what we are most familiar with, but in a broader diverse culture there often are other meanings or interpretations (i.e., the soda vs pop vs coke debate). DCL is not promoting any one brand of Coast Guard approved device, therefore their rules use broader generic terminology. I'm sure your daughter will be fine as you seem to be very conscientious about her safety in the water.

Just be aware that the pools onboard are "kid soup" and there is little to no actual "swimming" that can occur. You may find the Mickey pool isn't even waist-deep on your child, so it's mainly sitting and splashing around. As for the family pool, it is deeper but not terribly big, and in my experience so many people are sitting or hanging onto the edge making the center that much less safe because a young one can't get to an edge. My DD won't go in it and she's now 14.

As for beaches, other than Castaway Cay, you are welcome to use whatever swimming aid you choose. DCL has no control over rules for the local beaches at port stops. The family beach at Castaway Cay is still relatively shallow except at Pelican Plunge, and at that age I would put her in a lifevest if you opt to take her out to the slides.

Enjoy your vacation!

Oh wow excellent info thank you!! Great point about Castaway Cay! I’ll bring her bubble for here then! I’m so glad you mentioned that!

 

[Dug720]

Oh wow excellent info thank you!! Great point about Castaway Cay! I’ll bring her bubble for here then! I’m so glad you mentioned that!

@lanejudy - are you sure about Castaway? Castaway Cay is still under the purveyace of DCL and its lifeguards, so they may require her to use one of the provided vests as opposed to the foam block on her back (at least that's what we call a "bubble" in our school's swim program).

I do agree that terminology differs - even within the US. It took me forever to figure out what a "puddle jumper" is in this case. To me a "puddle jumper" is one of those small commuter planes for short flights, and I was so confused.

 

[Erica Burdon]

@lanejudy - are you sure about Castaway? Castaway Cay is still under the purveyace of DCL and its lifeguards, so they may require her to use one of the provided vests as opposed to the foam block on her back (at least that's what we call a "bubble" in our school's swim program).

I do agree that terminology differs - even within the US. It took me forever to figure out what a "puddle jumper" is in this case. To me a "puddle jumper" is one of those small commuter planes for short flights, and I was so confused.

Hahaha yes I see your point! We call the small planes puddle jumpers too it is very confusing!! Yes the foam block! That’s another good name, that’s what I was hoping to bring. But maybe to be safe I’ll bring the puddle jumper, she can do a bit of swimming on her own and then I’ll have her use puddle jumper if she gets tired. She hates it but she’ll have to deal!