Your Complete Guide to Swim Vests

Swim vests are buoyancy aids designed to provide support and stability for children in the water. Made from lightweight, durable materials, swim vests are designed to fit snugly and are often brightly coloured for visibility. Sometimes called float vests, float jackets, or buoyancy vests, they help children maintain a natural swimming position and encourage them to learn strokes and swimming techniques, working with the wearer to keep them afloat.

Some float jackets feature removable floats that can be taken out as a child's confidence grows. However, the Go Splash Swim Vest from Splash About is unique in that it has non-removable floats, making it lightweight, comfortable, slimline, and easy to pack. Made from high-quality neoprene, the Go Splash Swim Vest also offers UPF50+ sun protection.

What are swim vests?

Swim vests are buoyancy aids designed to provide support and stability for children in the water. Made from lightweight, durable materials, swim vests are designed to fit snugly and are often brightly coloured for visibility. Sometimes called float vests, float jackets, or buoyancy vests, they help children maintain a natural swimming position and encourage them to learn strokes and swimming techniques, working with the wearer to keep them afloat.

Some float jackets feature removable floats that can be taken out as a child's confidence grows. However, the Go Splash Swim Vest from Splash About is unique in that it has non-removable floats, making it lightweight, comfortable, slimline, and easy to pack. Made from high-quality neoprene, the Go Splash Swim Vest also offers UPF50+ sun protection.

Are swim vests the same as life jackets?

It’s important to note that swim vests are NOT life-saving devices and should NOT be used as a substitute for life jackets. Life jackets are specifically designed to keep a person in an upright position with their head above water, whether they are moving or not.

Swim vests, on the other hand, are designed to help children achieve a natural swimming position as they learn to swim, while still allowing
them to go underwater if they choose. The wearer must be conscious and able to move their arms and legs for the buoyancy to work. When a child uses a swim vest for the first time, it’s best to hold their hands until they learn how to balance in the water.

Children must always be supervised when in or near water.

Learn to Swim Aids available from Splash About Australia

Go Splash Swim Vest

The Go Splash Swim Vest is a lightweight buoyancy aid
designed to assist children as they learn to swim. With its slim design and non-removable floats, it’s easy to carry and perfect for fitting into swim bags or luggage.

Product Features:

  • Non-removable float system makes it easy to use
  • Comfortable crotch strap to prevent the vest from riding up
  • Supports children in a natural swimming position
  • Helps boost children's confidence in the water and improve their swimming skills
  • Winner of multiple global awards including for Best Swimming Product and Best Travel Invention
  • Available in eye-catching designs for high visibility
  • Provides UPF50+ sun protection for safety in the sun

Sleeved Floatsuit

An all-in-one swimsuit with integrated floats, specially designed to offer maximum adjustability, making it ideal for children learning to swim.

Product Features:

  • 16-piece adjustable buoyancy float system, allowing floats to be removed in pairs as your child’s confidence in the water grows
  • Supports children in a natural swimming position
  • Vibrant design for high visibility
  • Offers UPF50+ sun protection with coverage across the neck, back, shoulders and thighs

Buoyancy Aid Comparison Guide

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Age Suitability

2-4 Years and 4-6 Years

2-4 Years and 4-6 Years

Warmth

Made with neoprene for added warmth

No added warmth protection

Safety

Robust material with non-removable floats

Integrated floats which cannot be removed easily by child

How Swim Vests Help Children to Swim

  • Promotes a Natural Swimming Position

    Unlike armbands, swim vests keep the child's body in a horizontal, natural
    swimming position, which helps them practice proper strokes and kicks

  • Builds Confidence

    By giving children a sense of security and support, swim vests help them feel more comfortable and confident in the water, encouraging them to explore and practice swimming

  • Encourages Skill Development

    With the extra buoyancy, children can focus on developing essential swimming techniques, such as kicking, arm strokes, and breathing, without the fear of sinking

  • Supports Balance and Coordination

    Swim vests help children learn to balance and coordinate their movements in the water

At first, your child might need help adjusting to the extra buoyancy, so it’s a good idea to hold both of their hands in front of them until they feel secure in this new position. As they gain confidence and learn to balance in the water, you can gradually release one hand at a time until you no longer need to hold them. However, it’s essential to always stay within arm's reach for safety.

Swim vests are also perfect for children who can already swim but enjoy water activities such as snorkeling, as they offer stability and comfort when exploring the water for longer periods.

Safety tips for using swim vests

  • Ensure the swim vest fits properly to prevent it from riding up and
    covering your child's chin. A correctly fitted swim vest will provide optimal buoyancy.
  • Choose a swim vest with a crotch strap to prevent it from riding up while in the water
  • Look for a vest made from neoprene. It is naturally buoyant, and it will offer extra warmth in cool water
  • Always supervise children when they are in or near water. Swim vests and other buoyancy aids are not safety devices and should not replace constant adult supervision.

Swim Vest FAQ's

How do I stop a swim vest riding up and covering the mouth?

Choose a swim vest that fits properly and is not too big. Also look for a vest that has an adjustable crotch strap to keep the swim vest in place.

Can my child wear a Swim Vest with their swimsuit?

Yes, they are designed to be worn over wetsuits or bathing suits and in addition to boardies or swimmers.

What ages are swim vests suitable for?

Swim Vests and floatsuits are suitable for babies one year and over. They must be able to support their own head and understand how to move to keep themselves afloat. Toddlers, children, teens and adults may also benefit from buoyancy aids during water activity.

Does the swim vest prevent drowning?

No. The Go Splash Swim Vest is NOT a life-saving device and should never be used as a life-jacket on a boat or in the ocean for a child who cannot swim. It must only be used under constant adult supervision. The Swim Vest will not turn children face up should they fall into the water or if they are unconscious.