Puddle-jumpers, but for big kids?

June 4, 2019 8:59 AM

My almost-7-year-old daughter doesn't swim yet. We're working on it, but in the meantime, I'm trying to figure out how to let her have a tiny bit of water-related independence. A lot of the more minimal floaty thingys are for smaller kids. Help?

As a toddler, she had a puddle-jumper and as a slightly bigger kid she had a learn-to-swim vest. The vest, for example, was super soft neoprene with a very thin (1-2") padded part. It couldn't keep her totally afloat but kept her head out of the water and gave her enough support that we could let her splash around with an adult nearby (as opposed to someone having hands on her at all times).

She has, of course, outgrown both of these items. She's very tall and weighs about 65-68 lbs.

I'd like to find her something similar with minimal support. Seems like all of the learn-to-float things stop around 60 lbs, and the next step is a full-on life jacket with super thick padding and that scratchy nylon fabric. But am I missing something? Are there better search terms to use?

posted by cheese to Shopping (14 answers total)

Is she comfortable enough in the water that arms-only support would work? They definitely make water wings for adults.
posted by okayokayigive at 9:04 AM on June 4, 2019 [2 favorites]

A snorkel vest?
posted by Don Pepino at 9:11 AM on June 4, 2019

There’s lots of life jackets that are more comfortable for continuous wear (like for wakeboaribg, but you don’t need the protective plate). Boating ones probably aren’t as good as they tend to be built for better boat based mobility rather than in water comfort
posted by raccoon409 at 9:14 AM on June 4, 2019

I learned to swim as an adult, and there was a long period of time when I used a kickboard. I really recommend it, because it lets you swim independently if you want, but you can also tuck it under you if you need a break or get nervous, and it's buoyant enough to really keep you afloat if it comes to that.

If a kickboard is too hard for her to wrangle, there was a period before the kickboard when I used a pool noodle to basically just float/walk around the pool safely. A problem with pool noodles, though, is that they can't take a lot weight, but at her size that might not be a problem. They're also really bulky and goofy, which I found annoying. But it being a toy might be in the plus column for her because of her age.
posted by rue72 at 9:16 AM on June 4, 2019

Response by poster: OP here. These are great ideas, thanks. One quick clarification: whatever I buy really needs to be something that attaches to her body, not like a kickboard, as we do most of our swimming in public pools and waterpark type locations and they generally don't allow "pool toys" or anything not attached to your body. But FWIW we do have a kickboard and she does truly love it....it just stinks that we can't bring it very many places.
posted by cheese at 9:31 AM on June 4, 2019

Assuming you are looking at pools (not open water) it's worth noting that different pools are also built in different ways. Some pools/swim clubs will have designated "family pools" that (in my experience) slope gently from about 2' 6" or so at the shallow end to about 5" at the deep end. Specifically designed for a mix of non-swimming kids and swimming kids of various ages/sizes, and adults too. Might be worth looking into various pools to see if they have a pool like this. It's a great way to gain confidence for kids.
posted by carter at 9:36 AM on June 4, 2019

I remember having something like this at my grandparents’ house that passed through all the cousins as we learned to swim—you could take out the floaters individually as the kid got more confident in the water, until it’s basically just a normal swimsuit. It looks like the largest size could work?
posted by tan_coul at 10:13 AM on June 4, 2019

We used this belt for my daughter before her swimming improved. I would even sometimes use it to make treading water and hanging out in the pool for long periods easier. It's a lot more expensive than I remember, so maybe it's available somewhere other than Amazon.
posted by defreckled at 10:23 AM on June 4, 2019 [1 favorite]

This looks like it could work, though not entirely sure it goes small enough. (I'm enrolling my 10yo in a series of private swim lessons this summer, too. He's had a ton of group lessons, but has never been able to pass a swim test, so I'm hoping the one-on-one will get him over the hump. Good luck!)
posted by LKWorking at 11:05 AM on June 4, 2019

Look at wetsuits. This time of year places like Costco often have them. A light one, 3-5mm, won't get too uncomfortable, will help if your pool is a little chilly for small children and neoprene floats.
posted by mce at 11:43 AM on June 4, 2019

Mod note: A couple of comments deleted. Folks I know the intent is good but let's please stick to the question, rather than more general advice about swim lessons.
posted by LobsterMitten (staff) at 11:55 AM on June 4, 2019 [1 favorite]

This is expensive, but seems to be the right size/form factor for what you need. Other companies may make similar items.

Sizing chart, from an answered question lower on the page:
8-10 years: Up to 88 lbs, Up to 28" chest
10-12 years: Up to 99 lbs, Up to 31" chest
12-14 years: Up to 110 lbs, up to 34" chest
posted by telepanda at 12:37 PM on June 4, 2019

I just bought my almost 6yo this soft life jacket from Menards. It is soft and pliable-ish and not as stiff as many child life jackets are. If your location in your profile is correct, there should be a Menards near you.

My kid is particular about putting things on his body, and this jacket was comfortable for him.
posted by jillithd at 1:09 PM on June 4, 2019

When I was a kid, I had something like this. It was comfortable and allowed complete freedom of movement so I could really learn to swim but have support when I needed it. I loved it and I grew up to be a very strong and confident swimmer! The item in the link supports up to 100lbs so it should work for your kid.
posted by bibliotropic at 12:19 AM on June 6, 2019