We’re at the super fun pool at Hard Rock Hotel Penang this week so I thought I would share a couple of tips on how we choose Ella Grace’s life vest:
💦 Life vest over arm bands are generally safer and provide better support for a larger variety of activities.
In order of our preference:
arm bands
(can slip and deflate easily causing more harm than good as it can keep the child down in the water instead of up)
<
puddle jumpers
(arms bands w chest piece, only for small pools not safe for water activities and bulky)
<
life vest
(safest option for water sports incl boating, kayaking, jet skiing, water parks, etc)
💦 There are two types of life vests for children : type II and type III. Type II (usually for infants) features head support that will keep your child’s head upright if thrown into the water. Type III (the one Ella Grace is in) is a lot more comfortable and easily available but requires a slight learning curve of teaching your little one to roll on their back to float for long periods if thrown into the water and in need rescuing.
💦 I prefer the neoprene material as I think it suits long term wear but there are a variety of types and materials available. The most important things to look for are:
🛑 Must be safety-tested and certified. US Coast Guard approved is usually a good indication (watch out for pirated “fake” versions)
🛑 Fits child well within weight category
(vest should be secure and not easily slip up or it might keep them down in the water instead of floating, straps should include one that goes through the bottom)
🛑 Within expiration date (the material can become brittle over time w weather and wear/tear)
Better ones are usually more expensive as it’s imported but it’s so important to invest in a good one over a cheap one.
Please remember that whatever you choose, children should always be supervised closely in the water or near water regardless if they have personal floatation devices or not. Accidents can happen very much quickly and drowning (in a matter of seconds) is one of the leading causes of deaths in children.
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RECOMMENDATIONS
Neoprene life vest : we got ours from the new Coleman Malaysia store in 163 Retail Park
Thermal swim wear (children get cold quickly in the water, watch their lips, if they start shivering, it’s time to warm up!) : Cheekaaboo
Swim bucket hat w adjustable strap : Cheekaaboo
