The importance of swimming as a basic life skill for people of all age groups cannot be emphasized enough. There are many reasons for it. If you can acquire this skill at an early age, it will eventually help you in building a better and healthy lifestyle for yourself. It is because swimming is the only exercise which can have a positive impact on your entire body. The additional health benefits that come along with it are a plus such as
- It boosts your immunity and increases your muscle strength.
- Engages your lungs in an exercise which eventually helps you in staying fit.
- Helps you in reducing weight by burning your calories.
- Releases stress from your body and maintains a stable heart rate.
- Engages all the muscles in your body in the process of doing so.
- Keeps you physically healthy and hale
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Swimming floatation devices for adults:
Now that we have established the importance of swimming for adults and kids, if you, being an adult, have zero knowledge about swimming, you most probably are not alone. But as the adage goes, it’s never too late to start. If you want to begin learning how to swim, there are many flotation devices for adults learning to swim which will help you in this regard.
- Swimming floats:
A swimming float can be your ideal partner when you begin to learn to swim. It usually is held with the help of your hands when attempting to learn to swim in deep waters. Apart from this, swimming floats are also used as floatation devices to be used for emergency purposes to prevent someone from drowning. They are available in a variety of colors and styles and mostly resemble cylindrical bags stuffed with flotation supporting materials. Using a float is better than a life jacket because it provides you with the option of holding it as needed. You can hold it with both hands, or a single hand, or can even abandon it if you don’t feel like using it. - Life jacket:
A life jacket will be your ideal swimming partner if you are new to swimming. It is more comfortable as compared to swimming floats since you don’t have to hold on to them, unlike swimming floats. What gives them the edge over the swimming floats is the fact that a life jacket will help you stay afloat even when the water conditions are rough. Therefore they also act as a protective layer around the body for those who are just getting started with swimming. Moreover, this makes them the perfect choice for those adults who are still practicing the basics of swimming. What makes life jackets unique is the fact that they are designed as vests equipped with clips that keep the jacket in place. Therefore, if it is your first time swimming in deep waters, or your first swimming lesson, you must wear a life jacket. Also, make sure you put it the right way by wearing it tightly, but not too tightly that which makes it impossible for you to move. - Kickboard:
Kickboards do not necessarily prevent you from drowning but can be of great help if you can’t swim without any external support. They are flat in the structure, usually made of foam or similar materials. The material is really lightweight which keeps the boards float over the water. Some kickboards also have handles attached to them, which help you grip them properly when you are swimming. Kickboards also enable you to kick without any extra effort and staying perfectly afloat. When using a kickboard, the upper half of your body floats better when you are indulged in aggressive kicking. - Paddles:
Paddles increase the upper body workload by making the hand seem bigger, which enables you to hold more water eventually allowing your arms and shoulders to work a little harder. Before buying a paddle, make sure the size of the paddle is not too much bigger than your own hand. Once you choose the right size, try to swim slowly in the beginning and gradually increase the pace. Using paddles will increase upper body workload, and if you will anchor the hand properly, you will eventually feel the body travel over hand.
- Pull buoy:
Pullbuoy is usually used to boost the workload on arms, which guarantees a greater training effect. Pull buoy is to be held between thighs, therefore when using one, keep the movements of arms normal. When using a pull buoy, keep the legs straight and toes pointed. This way, when you will start to pull yourself forward make sure to keep your body streamlined. This will lessen the chances of you getting off balanced.
Learn to swim floaties for kids:
The options are endless when it comes to learning to swim floaties for kids. The options include pool noodles, life jackets, kick boards, water wings and much more. But, the floaties you may want to choose for your kid is contingent upon how comfortable your child is in water. Also, it is of crucial importance that you choose the right size of swim floaties, because many are dependent on the weight of your child. Also, with children, the process of buying swim floaties for your kids can get a bit complex. It is because you take several factors into consideration such as child likebality, child’s comfort. Also, it also depends on whether you are training your child indoors or outdoors.
Following is a list of floaties which may help you train your child in the best way possible.
- Shark fin/ Swim fin:
This swimming aid is a multi stroke functional accessory and lets your child move freely in water. It leaves the arm completely free which enables your child to freely move them which lets him practice all the essential maneuvers freely. It has two straps and fits on the back positioned exactly above center of gravity. This keeps the toddlers in the right position. The more submerged shark fin is, the more support it provides your child, eventually making him or her less reliant on any external assistance. Most parents believe shark fins to an ideal swimming accessory these days because they aid in teaching different strokes to be able to swim through the water. - Floatsuit:
Float Suits are an excellent choice when looking for swim floaties for kids. They are highly adjustable, and equip your child with a higher tendency of staying afloat. It can be adjusted easily depending on the weight and ability of the child to swim. Due to its higher adjustability, it guarantees your toddler the freedom to move freely inside the pool. - Puddle jumpers:
Puddle jumpers are specifically designed for kids weighing 30-50lbs. The adjustable buckle which comes along with it provides a tighter fit. In addition to that, floats on arms offer buoyancy and ensure mobility. Also, the buckle is present at the back, which makes it impossible for the kid to take it off for themselves. Puddle jumpers are available in a wide range of variety and colours. These puddle jumpers fall into the category of Type 3 personal flotation device, which ensures the wearer comfort and buoyancy. Type 3 floatation devices are also recommended for kids because of the fact that it ensures higher mobility. - Arm floaties:
Arm floaties are considered one of the safest life saving jackets for kids. Arm floaties usually feature armbands, which are attached to a body life vest. It also comes with a safety harness which usually prevents the life vest from sliding off and helps kids learn swimming. Other mentionable features include quick release safety buckle, adjustable chest strap . Arm floaties are ideal swimming aid for children weighing somewhere between 30-50 pounds.
- Back float swim aid: The back float floaties help increase the child’s buoyancy and provides support. This is an ideal fit if your child is a beginner as it will allow him to maintain balance up to a great extent. Back float usually has adjustable split layers, which you can add or reduce according to the needs of your child. It also has a spring buckle attached to it, which makes it quite easy for you to fix and adjust.
Verdict:
Always chose the floating aid, which we coast guard approved. There is no second opinion about the fact that swimming is a lot of fun, but in the real world, things can get ugly sometimes. You need to be highly precautious when teaching your child how to swim. Test the pool temperature every time before you let your child into the water. Too much cold water can make your blood pressure and heart rate go up. Also, always watch out for your child when he is in the pool. Even if he is acquainted with swimming alone, never let him go into the pool unattended. Even if you are an adult, always play by the rules and make sure there is a lifeguard around.
These swimming aids work best only, when you proceed with caution. Look before you leap and dive and make sure you are not the only one swimming in the pool.