Aid is defined as help and support, or to relieve and sustain. When it comes to swimming aids, it is important that they sustain: to maintain, continue, keep up, and prolong.
- Life Jackets - support a person's weight; they simply shift the load so the head remains above the water. Proper fit of life jackets is important. Life jackets are designed for specific water activities and help the body retain heat. Bright colors make them easy to see.
- Swimming Floaties - or inflatable armbands, are available in sizes for infants through adults. Floaties add some buoyancy but do not replace life jackets.
- Swim Tubes - fit comfortably around the waist or chest to assist the body in remaining afloat. They are ideal for children learning to swim and can be used with floaties.
- Baby Floats - allow infants and toddlers to enjoy the pool. Typically square-shaped with leg holes, floats are a stable way to keep lightweight children above the water. Although floats are not lifesaving devices, they are recommended for pool safety.
- Pool Noodles - inflatable tubes measuring 5 to 6 feet, used as flotation devices for those learning to swim or for those wanting to relax in the water. Pool noodles are also used in water games.
- Kickboards - a flotation device that allows swimmers to practice freestyle, backstroke, sidestroke, and breaststroke kicking techniques while keeping their heads above water.
- Swimming Goggles - prevent red eyes caused by chlorine, and keep water out of sensitive eyes. Adjustable straps insure tight fit; race goggles sit within the eye socket for a tighter fit.
- Swimming Fins - feet provide poor thrust; fins or flippers are finlike rubber or plastic shoes that improve movement through the water. Less leg movement is required when using swim fins.
- Snorkels - used with a swim mask that protects eyes from irritants, snorkels allow swimmers to breathe underwater without breathing in water.
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