Your Complete Guide to Float Vests and Jackets

Learning to swim is an exciting time for your child but it can also be quite daunting for them (and you!), especially if they’re nervous about being in the water. Buoyancy aids are designed to support children in a natural swimming position and to improve their confidence in the water.

In this guide we take a closer look at float vests and jackets to help you decide if they are the right buoyancy aid for your child.

Once your child is strong enough to stay upright and hold their head up above the water, they are ready to try a float vest. Unlike armbands, which position a child’s arms above their chest and restrict arm movement, float vests fit snuggly to the torso, allowing children to have a full range of movement.

Float vests help position children in a natural swimming position in the water while providing extra buoyancy as they learn to swim. Initially, you will need to hold onto your
child’s hands to help them find their balance in the water. The vest will then assist in keeping them afloat as they learn to kick. As they become more confident, you will be able to let go of their hands, and they will be able to stay afloat using only the swim vest.

Float vests are also ideal for children who can already swim but enjoy snorkeling, as they provide stability and comfort when exploring the water for longer periods.

How to use a float vest

Float vests are simple to use; they pull on like a waistcoat and zip up at the front. These vests come with 8 removable floats, which are secured in pockets within the lining of the vest. The floats can be gradually removed in pairs and are marked, allowing you to know the order in which to take them out as your child’s swimming ability grows.

As your child's swimming ability increases, the usual order for removing floats from a vest with 8 floats is in pairs, following this specific sequence:

1. Outer pockets at the front of the vest first
2. Outer pockets at the back of the vest
3. Inner pockets at the front of the vest
4. Inner pockets at the back of the vest

The floats work with your child’s natural buoyancy, so when using a swim vest for the first time, you may need to remove some floats to achieve the optimum level of balance for your child.

Even when all the floats are removed, the vest can still be worn to provide your child with extra warmth and sun protection.

Swim vests with non-removable floats
are also available. Their advantage lies in their slimline design, making them easy to pack into suitcases. Despite having fixed floats, they provide an equivalent level of buoyancy compared to the 8-piece float jackets. Additionally, they are often more affordable than vests with adjustable
floats.

Safety tips for using float vests

Ensure the float vest fits correctly, this will prevent the vest from riding up and covering your child’s chin and will provide optimum buoyancy. Use Splash About’s size guide
with your child’s chest and waist circumference or weight for the perfect fit for our products.

Check the vest has a secure safety
tab across the top of the zip to help prevent children from undoing the zip and slipping out of the vest.

Choose a vest made from soft neoprene
fabric as this will not only provide extra warmth in cooler water but also prevents chafing as the material is so soft.

Always supervise children when in or near water. Swim vests and other buoyancy aids are not safety devices and should not be used in place of constant adult supervision.

FAQ's

Do float jackets ride up to cover a child’s chin or mouth?

As long as the jacket is the correct size, it shouldn’t ride up. It’s best to choose a jacket that is a snug fit.

Are float jackets suitable to be worn over a wetsuit or swimming costume?

Yes they are, they can be worn over wetsuits or swimming costumes. They are also suitable to be worn with just swim bottoms.

Are float jackets adjustable to fit different sizes?

The size of a float jacket isn’t adjustable so it’s very important to ensure you choose the correct size for your child.

What age are float vests suitable for?

Float vests are suitable for babies over one year old, toddlers and older children.

Further Information

Our Complete Guide to Float Suits will give you all the information you need if you’re unsure whether a float suit or a float jacket is best for your child.

Follow the link to view the full range of Splash About float vests and jackets.