When we took our DD to BB she was 4yrs old and a very poor swimmer so naturally I am nervous of her being around water. We took blow-up arm floats for her and used them instead of the lifevests. Why?? Because I feel they give the child a little more room to move and because I think they are cooler to wear on a hot day. I'm sure many would disagree, and that's fine, but she was terrifically happy with these on her arms and when we return we are taking these again.