Water Wings: Are Water Wings Safe? AKA Floaties

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Don’t you just love Thanksgiving? It’s one of my favorite holidays. Last year, I made the most amazing green bean and portobello mushroom casserole thanks to Trader Joe’s. The recipe is on their portobello mushroom soup box if you’re interested or you can click here for the details. It’s so scrumptious; that I just had to share it!

You know what else is good. Turkey wings. You know what’s not good. Water wings.

67% of people think “water wings” are enough to keep kids safe in the water…

according to the American Red Cross water safety app.

First of all water wings, AKA floaties are simply not safe. The first warning placed on the water wing itself, claims that IT IS NOT A LIFESAVING DEVICE!

Also displayed all in caps is that IT WILL NOT PREVENT DROWNING!

These warnings are just two out of a multitude of other threats.

It’s shocking to me that such a product with so many warnings and dangers is allowed on the shelves.

Water wings are designed to keep the face out of the water if in an upright position.

Your child may end up, face down, however, and water wings make it tough to roll over.

Here are some other disadvantages of water wings:

• It gives the child a false sense of security
• It can also deflate or slip off
• And finally, it can easily snag on the edge of the pool

So the best way to keep your child safe is with a US Coast Guard approved life vest and one that fits well.

Don’t pick a size where your child has room to grow.

A great alternative to water wings is a puddle jumper, which is a US Coast Guard approved life vest and designed for kids 30 to 50 pounds.

And remember, even if your child is wearing a life vest, constant adult supervision is still essential and to always stay within arm’s reach.

If you have any thoughts on the subject or experiences that you would like to share, I would love to hear from you.

I hope your Thanksgiving is filled with peace, love and delicious portobello mushroom casserole. Seriously, you can’t go wrong.

Love the water,

Tessa

P.S. Get the FREE water safety app to help ensure your family stays safe in, on and around the water. It includes kid-friendly videos and quizzes. Search the iTunes app store for Swim by American Red Cross or click here. For Google Play you can use the same search parameters or click here. It provides the latest in water safety guidance to help ensure your family stays safe in, on and around the water.

P.P.S. To start your child on the path to becoming water safe, click here.