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The 11 best water wings 2024?

by Laura

water wings
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Most children love being in the water. However, until they can swim safely, it is advisable to use water wings as a swimming aid.

Why are water wings useful?

Hardly any other buoyancy aid is used as frequently as water wings. No wonder, because they are simple, safe and only minimally restrict children’s freedom of movement.

Avoid buying mistakes:

BeyondSurfing has examined the most popular water wings for babies, children and adults and presents the best models 2024. You can also find out what you need to look out for when purchasing a product to ensure you can move safely in the water.

Water wings for:

Buying guide & FAQ:

In a hurry? Our favorite water wings:

Bema water wings*
Why are these water wings better?

  • Classic design
  • High safety standards
  • Consumer Reports test winner

“Even my mother used the brand’s water wings with me more than 30 years ago. For me, Bema means tradition with good quality.” – Kerstin F. (★★★★★)

Water wings Checklist

  • Safety: Water wings are one of the safest and most effective buoyancy and swimming aids.
  • Arten: Schwimmflügel gibt es nicht nur für Kinder, sondern auch für Jugendliche und Erwachsene.
  • Use: As the buoyancy of water wings is generated on the upper arm, the head is kept safely above water.

Also interesting: The most popular water toys 2024.

TOP 5 water wings for babies in 2024

How do we rate? Our experts thoroughly research and evaluate each recommendation. We take into account the most important product features, adherence to quality standards, prices, customer reviews, our own experiences, and much more. Learn more about our process.

Best safe water wings

1. arena toddlers unisex water wings soft

Advantages

  • Inside lined with fabric for greater comfort
  • Complies with all EU safety directives
  • Skin-friendly material

Disadvantages

  • Air escapes when the valves are closed
  • Textile inside takes a long time to dry

Summary

The inflatable water wings in eye-catching red are suitable for children aged between 1 and 3 years. They are equipped with 2 air chambers per float and safety valves in accordance with EU safety standards.

The baby water wings also comply with all EU directives regarding the use of PVC and plasticizers. They therefore do not contain any harmful phthalates.

The special feature of the water wings is the soft inner lining. The fabric makes the water wings comfortable to put on and wear. All sharp edges are also covered with fabric to minimize the risk of injury.

Conclusion

The water wings are high quality, safe and, above all, very comfortable thanks to the textile lining. A clear purchase recommendation for parents who value quality and comfort.

Product details

Age: 1 – 3 years | Weight limit: 11 – 18 kg

Customer ratings

What customers say
A full 85% of all customers rate the product as good to very good with four to five stars.

Customers praise the easy handling and good fit of the water wings. The fabric on the inside makes them easy to put on and take off. There are also no sharp edges or corners. There is no unpleasant chemical odor and the water wings are skin-friendly. The look and color are also rated positively.

Around 7% are neutral about the product, while 9% rate the product as poor and inadequate.

Some customers feel that the buoyancy of the water wings is not sufficient. This is partly due to the fact that air escapes easily when the plugs are closed. The fabric inside takes a long time to dry and also attracts sand (if the water wings are used on the beach). The sand can cause unpleasant friction.

Click here to go directly to the customer reviews “

FAQ

Can I use the water wings for a baby that is within the specified age limit but still just under the weight limit?
Yes, as long as the water wings fit well on the arms and do not slip down. In principle, the weight is more decisive for the suitability of the water wings than the age.

Best floating foot set

2. VEDES floating disk set

Special Offer

Advantages

  • No inflation necessary
  • Reduction of floating disks possible depending on swimming ability
  • Lots of stability and freedom of movement in the water

Disadvantages

  • Chafing on the arm possible
  • Quite bulky for small children due to one size
  • Discs wear out over time

Summary

Unlike most models, Delphin buoyancy aids are not inflatable. Instead, they are discs made of PE foam that are pulled over the arm. Depending on swimming ability, up to 3 discs are worn per arm. These can then be gradually removed when the child can swim better.

The swimming discs offer very good freedom of movement in the water, so that swimming movements are no problem. The buoyancy and stability in the water are excellent.

Conclusion

Perfect for anyone looking for non-inflatable yet adjustable water wings.

Product details

Age: 1 – 12 years | Weight limit: 10 – 60 kg

Customer ratings

What customers say
A full 88% of all customers rate the product as good to very good with four to five stars.

The water wings are easy to put on and do not need to be inflated first. This also prevents air from escaping, which makes them even safer. When the child swims better, the discs can be adjusted. The wings are very soft and do not cut in. They also last longer than normal water wings.

Around 4% are neutral about the product, while 8% rate the product as poor and inadequate.

Some customers had pressure sores and chafing on their arms from wearing the swimming discs. The buoyancy aid is very bulky for very small children as it is only available in one size. After a certain time, the water wings can wear out and then slip off the arm.

Click here to go directly to the customer reviews “

FAQ

Up to what age are the floating disks suitable?
The manufacturer specifies an age limit of up to 12 years. However, several customers report that the swimming discs become very tight on the arms from the age of around 6 years and are therefore no longer suitable for older children.
Do the floating disks comply with German or European safety regulations?
Yes, the floating disks are certified and comply with the usual safety standards.

Best TÜV tested water wings

3. Flipper Swimsafe buoyancy aid

Advantages

  • Combination of foam core and inflatable air chamber
  • Anti-slip material in the armhole
  • Safety and freedom from harmful substances confirmed by TÜV

Disadvantages

  • Low durability of the proximity
  • Large pack size due to foam core
  • High price

Summary

Flipper’s water wings are specially designed as a beginner’s product to familiarize toddlers from 12 months with the water. The special feature is its unbreakable core made of PE foam. This guarantees a certain buoyancy even if the air chamber should fail. To prevent this from happening in the first place, the latter is equipped with a safety valve.

The safety of the water wings and the absence of harmful plasticizers has been confirmed by TÜV Rheinland.

The use of anti-slip material inside the water wings provides additional safety. This way the children can’t lose them so quickly. The material is particularly soft and all seams are welded on the inside to increase comfort and prevent sharp edges.

Conclusion

Perhaps the most comfortable model thanks to the foam core and seams sewn to the inside. Security is also excellent.

Product details

Age: 1 – 6 years | Weight limit: 11 – 30 kg

Customer ratings

What customers say
A full 77% of all customers rate the product as good to very good with four to five stars.

The foam provides additional safety and also reduces the effort required for inflation. The water wings are comfortable, have no sharp edges and do not chafe under the arms. They allow a more natural swimming position than fully inflatable water wings.

Around 6% are neutral about the product, while 17% rate the product as poor and inadequate.

Some customers particularly criticize the short shelf life. Some of the seams came loose after a short time and air escaped. The pack size of the water wings is larger due to the foam. The price is higher than for normal inflatable water wings.

Click here to go directly to the customer reviews “

FAQ

Are the water wings also suitable for seawater?
Yes, the water wings can be used in the sea without hesitation.
Are the water wings inflated before putting them on or only on the arm?
Both are theoretically possible, but it is easier to inflate them on the arm first. This makes dressing easier.

Further highlights

4. zonbar water wings for children

No product found.

Advantages

  • Round water wings with high wearing comfort
  • Very thick and robust material
  • CE certified

Disadvantages

  • Difficult to inflate

Summary

The round buoyancy aid is similar to the circular crawl tadpole wings, but has the hole on the side rather than in the middle. This has the advantage that the arms can be held closer to the body. Unlike the usual square water wings, these do not scratch under the arms.

The water wings are equipped with a double chamber system and safety valves in accordance with CE standard EN71 and therefore comply with safety standards.

The material is thicker than most other water wings to protect against tears and damage. At the same time, it is soft, skin-friendly and free of harmful substances. The water wings do not rub against the skin and do not slip in the water.

Conclusion

If square water wings are too scratchy for your child, try this round version. Here, an innovative design is combined with the necessary safety standards. Definitely an eye-catcher.

Product details

Age: 1 – 6 years | Weight limit: 30 kg

Customer ratings

What customers say
A full 74% of all customers rate the product as good to very good with four to five stars.

The material is very soft and the water wings are comfortable. You don’t feel the seams on your skin and there are no pressure points after wearing them. The buoyancy is also good. The water wings are excellently made and easy to transport as soon as the air is out.

Around 8% are neutral about the product, while 18% rate the product as poor and inadequate.

The water wings are relatively difficult to inflate. You have to use the pump to fill it completely with air, and this becomes complicated if the child does not keep still. Customers were also confused because the TÜV certification is not printed on the water wings.

Click here to go directly to the customer reviews “

5. bema water wings baby

Advantages

  • Classic design
  • High safety standards
  • Consumer Reports test winner

Disadvantages

  • Stoppers do not seal well
  • Sharp seams

Summary

The classic water wings are one of the few models that offer a size for children under 12 months. The traditionally angular and eye-catching orange buoyancy aid meets all the safety requirements of TÜV and EU standard EN 13138. These include the double air chamber and safety valves.

Consumer Reports declared them the test winner among buoyancy aids, as they received good to very good marks in all areas tested: safety, freedom from harmful substances and labeling.

Conclusion

If you’re looking for simple, traditional water wings, you can’t go wrong with this high-quality classic.

Product details

Age: 3 months to 1 year | Weight limit: up to 11 kg

Customer ratings

What customers say
A full 64% of all customers rate the product as good to very good with four to five stars.

The water wings are very easy to inflate and put on. They sit securely and effectively keep the child afloat. The size is also suitable for very small children. The quality and price-performance ratio are right.

Around 18% are neutral about the product, while 19% rate the product as poor and inadequate.

The plugs do not close well and open again quite easily, allowing air to escape. The seams are relatively sharp and can scrape the skin. Some customers did not find the buoyancy sufficient.

Click here to go directly to the customer reviews “

FAQ

Do the water wings meet the usual safety standards?
Yes, Bema’s water wings are certified in accordance with the EN 13138 safety standard and have also been awarded a good or very good rating by Consumer Reports for safety and freedom from harmful substances.

TOP 3 water wings for children in 2024

1. EDWEKIN® water wings

Special Offer

Advantages

  • Pollutant-free, skin-friendly and soft material
  • Good freedom of movement in the water
  • Transparent design

Disadvantages

  • Sinking the plugs is difficult

Summary

The EDWEKIN® water wings for children have a transparent design that guarantees full visibility even when swimming.

The buoyancy aid is made of 3 mm thick, BPA and pollutant-free material. The double air chambers with safety valve provide excellent protection for the child.

The water wings have a good fit and do not restrict freedom of movement in the water. By ensuring an optimal position in the water, the child has more security of movement.

Conclusion

High-quality water wings with all safety standards and a high level of comfort. One of the best models in terms of value for money.

Product details

Age: 1 – 6 years | Weight limit: N/A

Customer ratings

What customers say
A full 85% of all customers rate the product as good to very good with four to five stars.

The water wings are well made from high-quality material. They are easy to fill up. The water wings are comfortable to wear as they adapt to the arm. Buyers also praise the packaging and the 6-language operating instructions.

Around 7% are neutral about the product, while 8% rate the product as poor and inadequate.

One buyer describes that the wings slipped off both his 3 and 5 year old son after being fully inflated.

Click here to go directly to the customer reviews “

FAQ

What material are the water wings made of?
The water wings are made of non-toxic and odorless PVC and skin-friendly polyester.

2. sevylor Puddle Jumper water wings

Advantages

  • Water wings with integrated waist belt
  • Foam makes inflation unnecessary
  • Many different colors and motifs

Disadvantages

  • Arm size not adjustable
  • Belt can loosen at the back

Summary

The water wings are fitted with an integrated waist belt. This keeps the child’s head safely above water. The size can be adjusted using the safety belt on the back.

The buoyancy aid does not need to be inflated, but consists of buoyant PE foam panels, which are characterized by good buoyancy.

Thanks to the good fit, children’s freedom of movement in the water is not restricted. The material is soft, does not chafe or stick to the skin. The buoyancy aid is available in various colors and designs.

Conclusion

The chest strap ensures that the child is safe in the water and can practise swimming movements. Well suited for anyone looking for a little more stability than is provided by simple water wings.

Product details

Age: 2 – 6 years | Weight limit: 15 – 30 kg

Customer ratings

What customers say
A full 87% of all customers rate the product as good to very good with four to five stars.

The water wings are easy to put on and take off. They do not chafe or stick to the skin. The child is kept afloat better than with simple water wings. At the same time, freedom of movement is not restricted. The different colors and motifs of the swimming aid look very cute.

Around 7% are neutral about the product, while 6% rate the product as poor and inadequate.

Some children tip forwards or backwards with the buoyancy aid in the water. Older children have relatively little freedom of movement. As the arm size cannot be adjusted, they can be difficult to put on and can quickly become too tight for wide arms. The strap on the back slipped through the buckle for some customers and became loose.

Click here to go directly to the customer reviews “

FAQ

Can the water wings be washed in the washing machine?
This is possible, but should only be done very rarely and then at a low temperature, as otherwise the water resistance of the materials is impaired. It is usually sufficient to wipe away stains with a damp cloth.
Can the child fall on its back and get its head under water?
This happened with some customers and apparently especially with children in the lower weight range. For this reason, children should never be in the water without supervision, even with a buoyancy aid.

3. aqua sphere unisex arm floats

Advantages

  • Buoyancy through foam with additional air chamber
  • Covered with soft, skin-friendly fabric
  • No sharp edges

Disadvantages

  • Too wide for children with narrow arms
  • Less buoyancy than other models
  • Take a long time to dry

Summary

The round water wings have kayak float bags made of foam material. As no air can escape from these, they offer a very high level of safety. There is also an air chamber on the inside of the wings. This allows the fit to be adjusted and the buoyancy to be increased.

The surface of the water wings is made of soft fabric that feels pleasant against the skin. This prevents the water wings from scratching or chafing. There are no sharp edges either.

Conclusion

A good choice if classic water wings chafe your child. The fabric cover and foam make this model particularly soft.

Product details

Age: 2 – 3 years | Weight limit: 15 – 18 kg

Customer ratings

What customers say
A full 73% of all customers rate the product as good to very good with four to five stars.

The water wings fit well and are exceptionally comfortable. The fabric feels pleasant against the skin. They do not slip or chafe. The child has plenty of freedom of movement when swimming. The foam part reduces the risk of loss of buoyancy compared to fully inflatable water wings.

Around 7% are neutral about the product, while 20% rate the product as poor and inadequate.

For small children with narrow arms, the water wings are too wide and slip off the arm. As most of them cannot be inflated, the width cannot be adjusted. For some customers, the buoyancy offered by the water wings was not enough. The foam means they take a very long time to dry.

Click here to go directly to the customer reviews “

FAQ

Do the water wings have to be blown out?
Yes, there is an air chamber on the inside of the water wings for inflation. However, as the water wings also have foam parts, the effort involved in inflating them is less than with classic water wings.
Are the water wings skin-friendly?
Yes, the water wings are made of skin-friendly materials and are also exceptionally soft thanks to the fabric cover.

TOP 3 water wings for adults in 2024

1. Fashy Sima buoyancy aid

Advantages

  • Extra thick material
  • Double chamber and non-return valve
  • TÜV-tested and certified according to EU safety standards

Disadvantages

  • Inflation is difficult

Summary

Simple but effective water wings for teenagers and adults. The design is a classic bright orange. The water wings have a double chamber system for high safety and flattened inner sides for more comfort.

The water wings have been tested by TÜV and comply with the EN 13138 standard for the safety of swimming aids. They are phthalate-free, minimize harmful substances and are environmentally friendly.

The non-return valves prevent air from escaping unintentionally. The material is extra thick at around 0.3 mm to minimize the risk of cracks.

Conclusion

Super price-performance ratio. Solid, high-quality water wings for adults that can easily cope with heavier body weight and effectively keep you afloat.

Product details

Age: from 12 years | Weight limit: from 60 kg

Customer ratings

What customers say
A full 92% of all customers rate the product as good to very good with four to five stars.

The water wings are well made and do not lose any air. They have excellent buoyancy, even with a higher body weight. So you feel absolutely safe in the water with them. The price-performance ratio is excellent.

Around 3% are neutral about the product, while 5% rate the product as poor and inadequate.

Inflating the wings is very laborious and only works if the valves are pressed together. However, no air escapes afterwards.

Click here to go directly to the customer reviews “

FAQ

Do the water wings keep people weighing well over 60 kg afloat?
Yes, according to the customer reviews, the water wings work reliably even with a body weight of up to 100 kg.

2. Bema adult water wings

Advantages

  • Ergonomically shaped for greater freedom of movement
  • High wearing comfort
  • Complies with all required safety standards

Disadvantages

  • Sharp seams chafe under the arms

Summary

The bright orange water wings are made of high-quality plastic. A special feature is the bridge between the two air chambers on the underside of the water wings. It is ergonomically shaped to offer more freedom of movement when swimming. The corners are rounded to prevent scratching or chafing.

The water wings comply with all German and European safety standards. They were also praised by Consumer Reports for their safety and freedom from harmful substances.

Conclusion

Bema has long been synonymous with high-quality and safe water wings for non-swimmers of all ages. This means they are always a solid choice.

Product details

Age: from 12 years | Weight limit: from 50 kg

Customer ratings

What customers say
A full 60% of all customers rate the product as good to very good with four to five stars.

High quality and comfort ensure an outstanding price-performance ratio. The good workmanship ensures a long service life. The good buoyancy and the safety valves, which effectively prevent the air from escaping, make you feel safe in the water.

0% are neutral about the product, while 40% rate the product as inadequate and insufficient.

Due to the sharp seams, the water wings can scratch, especially in the area under the arms.

Click here to go directly to the customer reviews “

FAQ

Are the water wings also suitable for people with disabilities?
In principle, even adults or young people with disabilities are kept safely afloat by the water wings. Of course, this depends on the type of disability in each individual case.

3. beco water wings

Special Offer

Advantages

  • Extra thick PVC
  • Safety and freedom from harmful substances tested and confirmed
  • Warning color orange-red

Disadvantages

  • Seams can tear under excessive load
  • Sharp edges
  • Deflating takes a relatively long time

Summary

Adults can easily learn to swim with the water wings from the renowned manufacturer Beco. They are made of extra thick PVC material. This has been tested for safety and harmful substances by TÜV and in accordance with EN 13138 and can be used without hesitation.

The water wings have the standard double chamber system and safety valves. The insides have been flattened for greater comfort. The color is an eye-catching orange-red, making you easy to see in the water.

Conclusion

Safe and well-fitting water wings for adults. You can’t go far wrong here.

Product details

Age: adults | weight limit: from 60 kg

Customer ratings

What customers say
A full 83% of all customers rate the product as good to very good with four to five stars.

Thanks to their high quality, the water wings provide a safe feeling in the water. No air can escape through the safety valves and the buoyancy is satisfactory. The water wings fit well, there is no slippage or pressure points. They are easy to inflate and put on.

Around 8% are neutral about the product, while 8% rate the product as poor and inadequate.

According to some customers, the water wings are not hard-wearing; the seams can tear quickly. They also have sharp edges that chafe the skin. Opening the valve and releasing the air is awkward and time-consuming.

Click here to go directly to the customer reviews “

FAQ

How many years do the water wings last?
This depends heavily on the intensity of use. With normal to frequent use, the water wings should last for at least 1 to 2 years.

Review: Water wings in comparison

Evaluation Criteria: The most important features for water wings in direct comparison. Find out what makes a good product in our tests in the guide.

Water wings for babies

NamePrice*AgeWeightCertifiedSkin-friendly
Arena15 $1-3 years11-18 kgYesYes
Dolphin25 $1-12 years10-60 kgYesN/A
Pinball machine21 $1-6 years11-30 kgYesYes
Zonbar16 $1-6 years15-30 kgYesYes
Bema9 $3 months-1 yearup to 11 kgYesNo
*Approximateprice incl. VAT included. Prices may change in the meantime.

Water wings for children

NamePrice*AgeWeightCertifiedSkin-friendly
EDWEKIN®19 $1-6yearsN/AYesYes
Sevylor19 $2-6 years15-30 kgN/AN/A
Aqua Sphere15 $2-3 years15-18 kgYesYes
*Approximateprice incl. VAT included. Prices may change in the meantime.

Water wings for adults

NamePrice*AgeWeightCertifiedSkin-friendly
Fashy Sima5 $from 12 yearsfrom 60 kgYesYes
Bema11 $from 12 yearsfrom 50 kgYesYes
Beco7 $N/Afrom 60 kgYesNo
*Approximateprice incl. VAT included. Prices may change in the meantime.

Buy water wings:
How to make the right decision

water wings_test

Water wings are the classic aid for learning to swim. At first glance, the models do not appear to be very different.

What many people don’t know:

If you take a closer look, you will see that there are certain differences that you should be aware of when buying water wings.

Safety in the water?

BeyondSurfing explains exactly what you need to look out for in water wings to find the right one for you.

What you need to consider when buying water wings

When choosing suitable water wings, you should consider the following points:

  • Security
  • Load capacity
  • Wearing comfort
  • Material
  • Price

Safety of water wings?

This is the most important point to ensure that the water wings fulfill their purpose and effectively keep your child afloat while swimming.

Water wings should always have double air chambers

The majority of water wings are inflatable. There should always be 2 separate air chambers per sash. There are several reasons for this:

  1. The 2 pressure points ensure that the water wings sit more firmly.
  2. The pressure is better distributed.
  3. If air escapes from a chamber, the buoyancy is still not completely lost.

Good to know: As a 2-chamber system contributes significantly to the safety of the water wings, it is prescribed by EU standard EN 13138.

Safety valves prevent the air from escaping

Safety valves, also known as non-return valves, are also required. They only allow air to escape very slowly. This prevents the child from sinking immediately, even if a valve should come loose in the water.

The following applies: Stay away from buoyancy aids without non-return valves!

Further safety aspects

In addition to the basic requirements mentioned above, there are other points that need to be considered with regard to safety.

Also pay attention to the following points with the water wings:

  • No sharp-edged seams
  • Tight fit on the arm
  • Striking signal color that is easy to see in the water
  • Non-toxic material
Pay attention to freedom from harmful substances

Plastic water wings may contain plasticizers, especially phthalates or PAHs. These are suspected of being carcinogenic.

Avoid products containing these or other harmful substances. Only buy water wings that have been tested and certified to be free of harmful substances.

Official norms and safety standards

There are several test standards for buoyancy aids that confirm their safety. The most important are:

  • TÜV certification EN 13138: Products with this standard meet all safety requirements for buoyancy aids and comply with the limit values for harmful substances.
  • GS test seal: The safety of the products has been confirmed.
Achtung: Trotz aller Sicherheitsstandards bieten Schwimmflügel keinen hundertprozentigen Schutz vor dem Ertrinken. Never leave your children unattended in the water, even if they are wearing water wings!

Load capacity of the water wings?

water wings_children
The carrying capacity refers to how much a child may weigh in order to be kept afloat by the water wings.

The load capacity of water wings is generally divided into 4 categories or sizes:

  • 00 Babies: from 0 kg
  • 0 Infants: from approx. 10 kg
  • 1 Children: from approx. 20 kg
  • 2 Teenagers and adults: from approx. 60 kg

Note: The weight limits are not the same for every manufacturer and may differ from the above scheme. Please always observe the manufacturer’s instructions.

Age or weight – which is more important?

The recommended weight is usually given together with the age for which the water wings are suitable. However, both values only serve as a rough guide.

This means:

If in doubt, you should stick to the weight specification rather than the age specification. Ultimately, the weight determines whether the water wings can hold your child.

How to find the right size water wings

If you are on the borderline between 2 sizes, BeyondSurfing recommends choosing the model with the higher load capacity. This way you can be sure not to get too heavy for the water wings.

Wearing comfort of water wings?

Water wings are designed to keep your children afloat. However, they must not hinder their freedom of movement. This is the only way for the little ones to learn and perform swimming movements.

This is how water wings fit correctly:

The water wings must be tight enough so that they do not slip off the arm. On the other hand, they must not be so tight that they pinch.

The following applies:

The right fit and the material used are particularly important for a good wearing comfort.

Different shapes of water wings:

  • Classic water wings are square.
  • There are now also numerous round water wings with the arm opening either in the middle or closer to the edge.
Square or round? How to find the right fit.

With any shape, it is important that the area under the armpits is as flat as possible. This is the least restrictive way to move your arms when swimming.

You can only decide which form is best for your child on an individual basis. It is therefore essential that you test the wearing comfort before your first visit to the pool.

Material of water wings?

float_wing_material

Plastic water wings

Inflatable water wings are usually made of plastic. This type of buoyancy aid offers the best buoyancy when the air chambers are fully inflated.

The advantages and disadvantages of plastic water wings:

  • Provides better buoyancy than alternative materials
  • Cost-effective
  • Small pack size, takes up little space in the swim bag
  • Must be inflated
  • Risk of losing air and therefore buoyancy

Alternatives to plastic?

Alternative materials are foam and neoprene. Both have the advantage that they do not need to be inflated, as the materials are already inherently buoyant.

The advantages and disadvantages of foam and neoprene water wings:

  • Do not need to be inflated
  • Natural buoyancy without risk of air loss
  • Slightly more expensive than plastic
  • Lower buoyancy than plastic
  • Larger pack size, takes up more space in the swim bag

This natural buoyancy also has a positive effect on safety, as there is no risk of air escaping from the water wings. The disadvantage is that the buoyancy is usually less than that of inflatable water wings.

Which water wings material is right for me?

Buoyancy aids made of neoprene or foam are more suitable for children who already have some water and swimming experience due to their lower buoyancy. Everyone else uses plastic buoyancy aids.

Pro tip: Material combinations

Some manufacturers use a combination of both systems, such as a foam core together with an inflatable chamber. This combines the advantages of the different materials.

Prices of water wings?

On average, you have to spend around $ 10 on inflatable water wings, although individual models can be significantly higher or lower. Prices are higher for foam or neoprene water wings, at around 20 to 25 $.

Pay attention to renowned manufacturers:

Due to the relatively small price differences, it is worthwhile choosing branded products for water wings. These generally offer high quality, safety and durability.

The well-known manufacturers of water wings include:


Bema, Beco, Cherek’s Kraulquappen, Aquatics, Aqua Sphere, Arena


Pro tip: Don’t wait until you’re on vacation to buy your water wings

On vacation, you usually pay higher prices for poorer quality. The best selection and prices can be found in specialist stores and department stores, as well as online on Amazon, for example.

Water wings for adults?

When we think of water wings, we usually think of children first. But adult non-swimmers can also use this swimming aid to feel safer in the water.

The same applies here: make sure you have sufficient load-bearing capacity.

In principle, water wings for adults are identical to those for children. The only important thing is that they have sufficient load-bearing capacity to keep the weight of an adult afloat.

Adults need this much carrying capacity:

The selection of models with a load capacity of 60 kg or more is comparatively small. For this reason, many adults prefer to use other swimming aids.

However, classic suppliers such as Beco and Bema do offer adult sizes in good quality with a higher load capacity of up to 100 kg.

Water wings tested by Consumer Reports and Öko Test?

Consumer Reports conducted a test of 20 buoyancy aids in 2011, including 10 water wings. The products were tested for safety, freedom from harmful substances and correct labeling(source).

In the area of safety, all water wings received at least a satisfactory rating, with only one exception: the Cherek’s Kraulquappen water wings were criticized for the valve plug tearing off.

Every fourth buoyancy aid tested contained harmful substances:

The result in the area of pollutants was less satisfactory. Only a quarter of the products tested were free of harmful substances. These included the Bema and Beco water wings.

The lack of important information on the product, which makes it difficult to trace the certification, was also criticized for many water wings.

Water wings test winner: Bema water wings

Ultimately, the Bema water wings came out on top with a score of Good for safety and Very Good for labeling and harmful substances.

Put on your water wings correctly?

It is best to pull the water wings over your arms first and then inflate them. This allows you to better estimate the required pressure. It is also easier to put them on when your arms are wet.

FAQ: Frequently asked questions and answers about water wings

When are water wings useful?

Most water wings are recommended from the age of 12 months, although there are also models from 3 months. Ultimately, you can help keep the child afloat at any age. Nevertheless, supervision must never be neglected.

Are water wings suitable for babies?

Water wings can be used for babies. They help to keep the child’s head above water.

When can children go into the water without water wings?

This depends less on age and more on the child’s experience. It should be able to swim and stay afloat independently before the water wings are removed.

Which water wings for children?

The typical water wings are inflatable, but models made of foam or neoprene can also be good. It is important that they offer sufficient buoyancy, fit well and meet all safety standards.

Which water wings for 1-year-olds?

Water wings for 1-year-olds do not differ in design from those for older children, only the size and carrying capacity differ. Pay attention to the manufacturer’s age and weight specifications.

Where can I buy water wings?

You can find water wings in sports stores such as Empty, as well as in many department stores. Online retailers such as Amazon offer the largest selection.

How to put on water wings correctly?

The easiest way to put on water wings is to pull them over your arms when they are not inflated or only slightly inflated and then inflate them. It can help if your arms are damp.

Are water wings or swim vests better?

Both have their advantages. With water wings, the body is completely in the water, which gives the children a better feeling for moving in the water. On the other hand, arm movement is less restricted with swim vests.

Conclusion: The most popular water wings reviewed

Water wings help non-swimmers of all ages to feel safe in the water and learn to swim. In addition to the classic inflatable water wings, there are also various other options to choose from

Specialist literature, sources & further links

You can find more information on this topic here:

  • Consumer Reports: https: //www.test.de/Schwimmhilfen-Dummy-ertrunken-4248694-0/
  • Buoyancy aids for adults: https://www.kinder-schwimmhilfen.de/arten-schwimmhilfen/schwimmhilfen-erwachsene

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Laura

Beach and snorkeling expert
Laura lives in Greece and couldn't imagine a day without the sea on her doorstep. When she's not writing for BeyondSurfing, she likes to spend her free time on the beach or in the water with snorkeling gear.

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