swimmies

[emmababy]

Can you use swimmies at the pools? I thought you could and I just read a thread saying you cant? Thanks!

 

[Princess Roo]

I have seen them used by children a lot there and our son used a different flotation device while we were there. I never saw anything saying you can't and I'm pretty sure I read the pool rules, but I'm not positive.

 

[emmababy]

Can you tell me what he used?

 

[tjmw2727]

My neice and nephew both used the inflatable arm bands - we do call them swimmines - during our Feb 07 trip. Lots of kid were using them, in addition the WDW resorts will loan you a life vest free of charge.

TJ

 

[RichNKatHolly]

DS used a speedo life vest during our last 2 visits. We did not see any sign indicating that this was not OK.

I got the vest at Target for about $10 - best investment ever! Keeps him up, won't fall off and he learned to swim while wearing it. Now I'm passing it down to DD.

Good luck!

 

[emma'smom]

DD2 used arm swimmies at three different pools at WDW. We actually bought them in the gift shop at the Poly (only three dollars) with "Nemo" on them.

 

[Princess Roo]

Can you tell me what he used?

I can't find a picture of the exact one. It was almost like a cross between a little boat and an inner tube that had a seat in it and a back for him that kept him upright... ~$10 at Target.

 

[NotUrsula]

You can use inflatable arm cuffs at the resort pools, but they are NOT allowed at the water parks. The water parks require the use of vests. Both the resorts and the waterparks will supply vests at no charge.

One more point: so-called "swimmies" are actually pretty dangerous gadgets. It is very easy for them to slip off and/or deflate if accidentally nicked, and they impede the movement of the child's arms. It is really MUCH safer to use a properly-sized vest for recreational pool use. ("Swimmies" should NEVER be used in open water.) For a child under 5, the vest should have a crotch strap and a float collar that will keep the child's head above water at all times.

If you use a boat-float seat for an infant, your hand should be on it at all times. (And it isn't a bad idea to have a vest on the child, too, if you can find one small enough.) For babies, you can also use a water sling in shallow water.

 

[RichNKatHolly]

Just a note - my kids were allowed to use the Speedo vests in the water parks as well.

 

[NotUrsula]

Yes, the waterparks will allow you to supply your own vest if you like, but they will insist on vests rather than other types of personal flotation devices.
(I think that they might also allow the flotation suits that have the sewn-in foam blocks around the torso.)

 

[jenrein]

You can use inflatable arm cuffs at the resort pools, but they are NOT allowed at the water parks. The water parks require the use of vests. Both the resorts and the waterparks will supply vests at no charge.

One more point: so-called "swimmies" are actually pretty dangerous gadgets. It is very easy for them to slip off and/or deflate if accidentally nicked, and they impede the movement of the child's arms. It is really MUCH safer to use a properly-sized vest for recreational pool use. ("Swimmies" should NEVER be used in open water.) For a child under 3, the vest should have a crotch strap and a float collar that will keep the child's head above water at all times.

If you use a boat-float seat for an infant, you hand should be on it at all times. (And it isn't a bad idea to have a vest on the child, too, if you can find one small enough.) For babies, you can also use a water sling in shallow water.

Wierd- all 3 of my kids grew up using swimmies Never had a problem and I am the more scared one with swimming as I cant swim

 

[NotUrsula]

Sorry, but it's true; "swimmies" (aka water wings) are really toys, they are not designed as a safety device at all. I grew up spending a lot of time on a fishing boat, and in my book using a proper PFD on a child (even in a swimming pool) is just as important as using a proper carseat.

From the American Red Cross website http://www.redcross.org/services/hss/aquatics/FAQ.htm:

What water toys are safe?
By Greg Stockton

While water toys such as water wings and inner tubes are fun accessories to bring to the beach or pool, the only truly safe water accessory is a personal flotation device (PFD) approved by the U.S. Coast Guard (check for the Coast Guard stamp).

Water wings and inflatable toys are great fun but they are just that, toys. These items may provide a false sense of security and should not be relied upon for safety. It’s vital that parents and caregivers know the difference between toys and proper safety gear.

Kids –and adults – who are not strong swimmers or who appear to rely on inflatable toys for safety should wear US Coast Guard-approved PFD whenever they are in or around the water. Each person should have the appropriate PFD for his or her weight, which is found clearly marked in the Coast Guard stamp.

If your child doesn't like to wear their PFD, take them on a shopping trip where they can pick out their own PFD. Including them in the decision will allow for a better fit and ensure that they're happy to wear a PFD at all times in or on the water.

No matter what a child is wearing and no matter what flotation items are at hand, he or she should never be left unattended in or around the water. Parents should always practice “reach supervision” which means that he or she is within arm’s length of the child at all times.

... And from SafeUSA http://www.safeusa.org/water/water.htm:

8. Do NOT use air-filled swimming aids (such as "water wings") in place of life jackets or life preservers with children. Using air-filled swimming aids can give parents and children a false sense of security, which may increase the risk of drowning. These air-filled aids are toys and are not designed to be personal flotation devices (life jackets). Air-filled plastic tubes can deflate because they become punctured or unplugged.

I also made a mistake (now corrected) in my above posting about the recommendation for a flotation collar and crotch strap on PFD's for kids under age 3. The USCG actually recommends that standard for all children under age 5.