What this swimming skill is
A lifejacket holds the body up, but it can feel strange at first. It pushes up under the chin, and the body may tip forward. This skill is about getting used to that feeling and keeping the mouth and nose out of the water. Your child also learns to roll onto the back and rest face up.
It usually comes after your child has learned to put on a lifejacket and float on the back. Next comes moving and swimming while wearing one.
See it in action
The Difference between a Life Jacket and Personal Floatation Device
AquaMobile's founder explains how a lifejacket differs from other flotation devices, and why it is the better choice for learners.
From the AquaMobile YouTube channel
Why it matters
Calm, not panic.
A child who has tried a lifejacket in the pool knows what to expect if they ever need one.
Face up is safest.
Lying face up keeps the mouth and nose clear, so breathing is easy.
Ready for family trips.
Families who go boating, fishing or to the lake can feel more confident about lifejacket time.
Good habits for life.
Your child learns that a lifejacket only works when it fits well and is done up fully.
Who it is for
This is for anyone who may wear a lifejacket, from babies and toddlers to adults. Babies and toddlers stay held close by the instructor, in a lifejacket made for their size, and are guided onto their back. Children learn to float and roll in it themselves. Non-swimmers can learn it too, always with the instructor right beside them. If you are an adult who goes boating or paddling, it is well worth trying in a pool before you ever need it.
In a well-fitted lifejacket
The goal
Your child floats in a snug, fully fastened lifejacket with the mouth and nose clear of the water. They can roll onto the back and lie there calmly, face up.
Why it matters
Knowing how a lifejacket feels, and how to get face up in one, helps your child stay calm. They can then breathe easily if they ever need one.
What happens in lessons
Checking the fit together.
Before getting in, the instructor checks the lifejacket is the right size and fully done up, and shows you how.
Getting used to the feel.
Your child floats in water where they can stand, with the instructor right beside them, and notices how the jacket pushes up.
Keeping the face clear.
Your child practises staying relaxed with the chin up and the mouth and nose out of the water.
Rolling face up.
Your child leans back and rolls onto the back, with help at first. Babies and toddlers stay held close the whole time.
How you can help between lessons
- Try the lifejacket on at home. Check the label, fasten it fully and lift it at the shoulders to see that it does not ride up past the chin or ears.
Common questions
- How do I know if a lifejacket fits?
- It should be approved for use where you live and labelled for your child's weight or size. Fasten every buckle and zip, then lift it by the shoulders. It should not slide up past the chin or ears.
- Are armbands or a swim vest the same as a lifejacket?
- No. Armbands and inflatable toys are not made to keep the face out of the water. Many swim vests are swim aids rather than lifejackets, so check the label.
- Will a lifejacket always turn my child face up?
- Some are designed to help turn a person face up, but none can be counted on every time. That is why your child practises getting face up themselves. A young child in a lifejacket still needs an adult within arm's reach.
- Does my toddler need a special lifejacket?
- Yes. Small children need a lifejacket made for their weight. It usually has a collar that supports the head and a strap between the legs so it cannot ride up. A jacket that is too big or loosely fastened is not safe.
- Can my child wear a lifejacket instead of learning to swim?
- A lifejacket is for safety, not for learning to swim. Your instructor uses one for this skill and teaches floating and swimming without it. Around pools, the best protection is an adult watching closely.
