For the last three plus decades, we have been experimenting with  learn-to-swim flotation devices,  experimenting with different ways to use them, and most importantly–striving to determine how to most effectively use them in order to help children learn to swim more efficiently.    At Swim Lessons University, we train swimming instructors to use buoyancy devices in a manner that is not only progressive and effective, but it also makes the process of learning to swim safer and more enjoyable.

In today’s blog, I am going to share with you video footage that will demonstrate the WRONG WAY and the RIGHT WAY to use flotation vests, as well as BEFORE AND AFTER FOOTAGE so you can see the evidence.

As you watch this first video clip, notice how the little girl on the left has just enough flotation that she can successfully practice the pop-up breath.  Whereas the young student on the right, Nolan, has too little flotation CAUSING him to go into what I call “survival swimming.”  You could even say he is swimming scared.   If your students are in survival swimming mode, as the instructor, you are basically eliminating their ability to practice the “Pop-up Breath.”   You are also often creating unnecessary anxiety in your student, which not only reduces his chances to improve, but it may also impede the progress all together.   Take a look:

The neat thing about the next video clip is you are going to see Nolan, on the same day, perform the same skill, with two more flotation pads. Notice how the proper amount of buoyancy affords our student with the ability to practice the “pop-up breath” with confidence.  The neat thing about these “progressive flotation vests,” is that you can give your students JUST ENOUGH flotation to be successful.  HOWEVER, SUCCESS is the key.  If your student is struggling, if your student can’t get his breath and immediately return to the face down swimming position then you need to ADD FLOTATION.  Watch the difference:

As your student’s skills improve to the point that the breath is automatic and effortless, then you can remove a buoyancy pad.  As long as the child doesn’t resort to the “survival swimming” mode, you can continue to remove flotation until he/she is swimming independently without it.  The flotation not only increases confidence and a child’s willingness to try, it increases “quality practice time” and promotes “good body positioning and technique.”  Last but not least, it make learning to swim enjoyable, creating a life long love affair of the water vs. fearing it.

Within just a few weeks of the first two clips where you saw Nolan NEEDED the flotation, you will now get to see Nolan performing the Surface Swim with the “Pop-up Breath” without it:

In the earlier videos, the flotation allowed him to practice a skill he could not do otherwise.   Our years of testing clearly demonstrate students don’t get dependent on flotation.  They do get dependent, however, on an instructor, or a parent holding them.  Regarding a false sense of security, no parent or child should EVER have a false sense of security.  Parents and children need to understand that LIFE JACKETS SAVE LIVES!  They are like SEAT BELTS.  No one should be ashamed to wear a life jacket when in or around the water.   Life Jackets just aren’t for boating either.  In our “Water Smart 101” program for children, the rule of thumb we teach is that if you can’t swim the length of the body of water you are in or playing around, and you aren’t within an “arms reach” of an adult, you should wear a life jacket.  Type III or Type V Life Jackets should be worn even in swimming pools when an adult isn’t providing “arms reach” supervision.   “Close and constant supervision” should be maintained during swimming instruction as well while wearing these progressive flotation devices.   Flotation devices equal safer swimming, but multiple layers of swim safety practices should be enforced at all times.

The progressive flotation devices we like are made by SwimWays.  We especially like the SwimWays Power Swimr.   The Sea Squirts Swim Assist, as seen in today’s YouTube video, is also nice but doesn’t have quite as much flotation so shouldn’t be used with a true beginner.  Swim Ways also carries a Sea Squirts Type III Coast Guard approved Life Jacket which is an excellent swimming life vest as it doesn’t ride up on the swimmer like most ski jackets do because of it’s design.  Konfidence-USA also makes a nice progressive flotation device.

The International Swimming Hall of Fame has named Jim Reiser the recipient of the 2015 Virginia Hunt Newman Award for his curriculum and approach in teaching infants, toddlers, and children to swim.  Jim is the first American to win the award in 10 years.

If you would like to learn more about the Swim Lessons University Online Swim Instructor Certification  and curriculum, make sure to visit us at www.SwimLessonsUniversity.com

Swim Lessons University is currently being utilized by recreation departments, YMCAs, America Camp Association swim lessons programs, as well as by private swimming instructors in 45 states and over 30 countries!

You can also call us toll free at 1-866-498-SWIM (7946).

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