Safety in the water is important. It is helpful to use swimming aids that make learning to swim easier and ensure greater safety.
But not every buoyancy aid is any good:
Children and adults alike have their own preferences and tastes. There are now countless different swimming aids on the market. However, the quality of not every product lives up to its promise.
Avoid buying mistakes:
BeyondSurfing helps you to keep track of this large selection of buoyancy aids. Discover the most popular swimming aids 2024 and how you can recognize quality and safety.
Buoyancy aids for:
Buying guide & FAQ:
Content
In a hurry? Our favorite buoyancy aid:
- Classic design
- High safety standards
- Consumer Reports test winner
Buoyancy aids Checklist
- Which species? Buoyancy aids can come in a wide variety of forms, from classic water wings to pool noodles.
- Who is it suitable for? Buoyancy aids are suitable for all age and population groups; for example, there are special buoyancy aids for senior citizens or the disabled.
Also interesting: The best water wings 2024.
TOP 5 baby floats 2024 for babies
Best buoyancy aid with diaper bib
1. HonuNautic solid fabric lifejacket for children and infants
Advantages
- Robust solid material
- Low weight with good buoyancy
- Head automatically floats above water
Disadvantages
- No leg strap to prevent slipping out
- No option to adjust the width
- Buoyancy elements not removable
Summary
The solid fabric lifejacket is perfect for babies learning to swim. The foam inside gives children enough buoyancy to feel safe in the water.
Thanks to its light weight and thin material, the vest is very easy to transport and can be taken on vacation, for example. They fit comfortably and are very soft on the skin. So you don’t have to worry about chafing. At the same time, the material is robust and hard-wearing.
The swim vest is available in various motifs and colors.
Conclusion
A very comfortable swim vest for babies and small children from 3 to 10 kg that meets all quality and safety requirements. Other weight classes are also available.
Product details
Age: up to 2 years | Size: N/A | Weight limit: 3 – 10 kg
Customer ratings
The high-quality learn-to-swim vest fits well and does not cause any pressure or chafing on the skin. It does not get in the child’s way when swimming, as the arms in particular have more freedom of movement than with water wings. The buoyancy is good. The swim vest dries very quickly after use. It is not heavy even when wet and can be worn in the heat without any problems.
Around 9% are neutral about the product, while 6% rate the product as poor and inadequate.
The swim vest has no strap between the legs and cannot be adjusted in width. If the fit is not optimal, there is a risk of the child slipping out of the vest. Some children also found the vest uncomfortable and bulky. The buoyancy elements cannot be removed in order to adapt the buoyancy to the child’s growing swimming skills.
FAQ
Best non-toxic buoyancy aid
2. Fred’s Swim Academy swim coach
Advantages
- Enables swimming movement while head is kept above water
- Adjustment of the width possible with 5 inflatable pads
- Pollutant-free and TÜV-tested
Disadvantages
- Difficult to put on the buoyancy aid
- Rolling over or tipping over at the front cannot be completely ruled out
Summary
The children’s swimming aid in eye-catching red is specially designed to keep babies and toddlers safely afloat. At the same time, they should be able to make their first swimming movements and move around in the water.
There are 5 inflatable cushions inside the swim ring to secure the child. They can be adjusted to the shape of the body so that the ring fits securely and the child cannot slip out.
The robust PVC material has been tested to CE standards to ensure it is free of harmful substances. The swimming ring also has TÜV Süd and GS certifications, which confirm its safety as a swimming aid.
Conclusion
With this buoyancy aid, even the youngest children are safe in the water. You can splash around with your arms and legs while your head is reliably kept above water.
Product details
Age: 3 months – 4 years | Size: N/A | Weight limit: up to 15 kg
Customer ratings
The buoyancy aid is very comfortable for children and offers them enough freedom of movement to splash around in the water with their arms. The buoyancy is good and the child is kept safely afloat. The quality of the material and workmanship is impressive. The signal color and the robust material are also positively emphasized.
Around 8% are neutral about the product, while 12% rate the product as poor and inadequate.
The floating ring is very difficult to inflate due to the 5 air cushions. Putting it on the child is also tedious. It is a little easier if it happens in the water, but then requires at least 2 people. For some customers, the floating ring lost air after a short time or the seams came loose. In some cases, the child rolled over with the tire and ended up with its head in the water.
FAQ
Best buoyancy aid with sunroof
3. inflatable children’s boat
Advantages
- Mini swimming ring
- Sun canopy
- Durable PVC with safety valves
Disadvantages
- Initially chemical odor
Summary
Safety is not neglected with this swim ring. The child sits securely in the ring while the legs hang through the holes in the water. A comfortable backrest ensures maximum comfort.
The material is hard-wearing, high-quality PVC. No air can escape through safety valves. Handles on the boat allow the children to hold on tight. A removable sun canopy protects against heat.
Conclusion
As much a toy as a buoyancy aid, this buoyancy aid guarantees lots of fun in the water without parents having to worry about safety.
But be careful: you should never leave your child unattended with it.
Product details
Age: 3 – 36 months | Size: 47.8 x 45.7 | Weight limit: approx. 21 kg
Customer ratings
The buoyancy aid offers a high level of safety and is very stable in the water. The sun protection is rated positively, as are the steering wheel and the horn. The design is always a hit with children.
Around 5% are neutral about the product, while 9% rate the product as poor and inadequate.
FAQ
Further highlights
4. Flipper SwimSafe water wings
Advantages
- Combination of foam core and air chamber for high safety
- No sharp seams or edges
- Meets all safety standards and is tested for harmful substances
Disadvantages
- Larger pack size than other water wings due to foam core
- High price
Summary
Flipper SwimSafe water wings are perfect for very young children as they offer a very high level of safety. They combine a PE foam core with an inflatable air chamber.
The unbreakable foam core provides buoyancy even if air should escape. The air chamber, on the other hand, allows the floating wing to adapt to the child’s arm and ensures a snug fit.
The seams of the water wings are sewn inwards for greater comfort. The soft material has an anti-slip coating in the armhole. This makes it harder for children to lose their water wings.
The buoyancy aid contains no harmful plasticizers and has been certified by TÜV Rheinland.
Conclusion
Conclusion
If you are looking for the classic swimming aid, you have come to the right place. Flipper SwimSafe is one of the safest and most comfortable water wings on the market.
Product details
Age: 1 – 6 years | Size: 30 x 20 x 10 cm | Weight limit: 11 – 30 kg
Customer ratings
The water wings offer good buoyancy and are particularly safe thanks to the foam core. They fit well and stay on the arms without any problems even when jumping from the edge of the pool. They are also comfortable, have no sharp edges and do not chafe against the skin.
Around 6% are neutral about the product, while 16% rate the product as poor and inadequate.
The main point of criticism from customers is the low durability of the water wings. It is usually the weld seam that comes loose over time. Especially in view of the price, which is higher than most other water wings, this short lifespan is disappointing.
FAQ
5. infant swim ring
No product found.
Advantages
- Soft and non-slip material
- Uncomplicated
- Lightweight and transportable
Disadvantages
- Partially sharp edges
- Risk of tipping over if the child moves a lot
Summary
The swim ring is made of PVC material, which is pleasant on the skin and does not chafe. The ink print is also non-toxic.
The floating ring is very light and can be folded up small for transportation. Inflation is quick and easy.
Conclusion
With this swimming ring, small children can float safely over the water and splash around with their arms and legs without running the risk of sinking.
Product details
Age: 3 – 36 months | Size: approx. 65 cm diameter | Weight limit: 22 kg
Customer ratings
FAQ
TOP 3 swimming aids 2024 for children
Advantages
- Safety belt between the legs prevents the vest from riding up
- Removable foam body for adjusting the buoyancy
- With transport bag
Disadvantages
- Fit not always ideal
- May chafe under the arms
Summary
The neoprene swim vest is equipped with numerous practical functions and safety features. First of all, the material is very soft, flexible and durable. The neoprene warms the child in the water thanks to its thermal function.
The zipper is extra sturdy and has a Velcro cover. This prevents children from playing with it in the water. A padded safety belt that runs between the legs prevents the vest from riding up.
There are 8 foam kayak float bags inside the swim vest. These can be removed in pairs to adjust the buoyancy of the swim vest to the child’s swimming ability.
A drawstring bag is also included in the scope of delivery. The swim vest can be transported in it.
Conclusion
The flagship model among swim vests with numerous practical features!
Product details
Age: 5 – 9 years | Size: N/A | Weight limit: 23 – 32 kg
Customer ratings
The swim vest offers sufficient buoyancy, which can also be individually adjusted thanks to the removable elements. The material is soft and the vest is comfortable to wear. It dries quickly. The padded safety belt between the legs is also rated positively. There is no unpleasant chemical odor from the vest.
Around 6% are neutral about the product, while 5% rate the product as poor and inadequate.
A few customers complained that the swim vest chafes under the arms. Some also had problems with the fit, which they felt was not very good.
FAQ
2. sevylor Puddle Jumper water wings
Advantages
- Buoyancy through foam, no inflation necessary
- Size-adjustable belt with safety buckle on the back
- No chafing or sticking to the skin
Disadvantages
- Belt must be threaded correctly to prevent slipping
- Width of armholes not adjustable
- Children sometimes tip forwards or backwards
Summary
The buoyancy aid moves between water wings and swim vest. The special design allows the child freedom of movement without the head getting under water. The floatation aid has a high-quality finish.
The wide waist belt and arm straps are made of PE foam panels covered in soft polyester fabric. The adjustable harness is fastened at the back with a safety buckle that the child cannot open without help.
The buoyancy aid is very comfortable to wear thanks to its good fit. The material is robust yet comfortable against the skin. It does not chafe and does not stick to the skin. They are quick and easy to put on and take off.
The Puddle Jumper is CE-certified and complies with the EN 13138 safety standard. It is available in many colors and with various cute motifs.
Conclusion
A cleverly designed and practical buoyancy aid. The children can assume a good swimming position without getting their heads under water.
Product details
Age: 2 – 6 years | Size: N/A | Weight limit: 15 – 30 kg
Customer ratings
The buoyancy aid offers very good buoyancy. As it is not inflatable, no air can escape and endanger the child’s safety. The workmanship is high quality and the buoyancy aid is firmly stitched. They dry quickly and are easy to put on and take off. The chest strap also prevents it from slipping off the arms. Ultimately, customers praise the bright colors and cute motifs.
Around 6% are neutral about the product, while 4% rate the product as poor and inadequate.
Before use, check that the belt is correctly threaded into the buckle, otherwise it will come loose easily. The buoyancy aid can pinch the arms as they are not adjustable in width. With some customers, the children tip forwards or backwards.
FAQ
3. beco sealife swimming belt
Advantages
- 5 removable foam elements to adjust the buoyancy
- Infinitely adjustable belt with safety buckle
- Pretty fish design in bright colors
Disadvantages
- Swimming belt can slip
- Not enough buoyancy for absolute non-swimmers
Summary
The swimming belt is equipped with 5 plastic block elements that provide buoyancy. Thanks to the freedom of the arms and the position in the water, the child quickly learns the correct swimming movement with this swimming aid.
The foam elements can be removed individually. This makes it possible to adjust the buoyancy to the child’s swimming abilities.
The belt strap is infinitely adjustable. It is closed with a childproof patented closure that the child cannot open alone. The safety of the swimming belt is certified by TÜV and GS and complies with the European standard EN 13138.
Conclusion
A very good swimming aid for somewhat experienced swimmers who still need support in learning the correct swimming technique.
Product details
Age: 2 – 6 years | Size: N/A | Weight limit: 15 – 30 kg
Customer ratings
Customers are impressed by the good quality and workmanship of the swimming belt. The infinitely variable adjustment and the safety lock, which children find very difficult to open on their own, are particularly practical. The foam blocks can also be removed. The swimming belt is more comfortable to wear than water wings. If it is buckled tight enough, there is no slipping.
Around 8% are neutral about the product, while 6% rate the product as poor and inadequate.
For some customers, the swimming belt always slipped upwards and then interfered with movement. In addition, pressure or chafing occurred more frequently in such cases. The buoyancy belt does not provide sufficient buoyancy to keep a child afloat on its own. It is not suitable for absolute non-swimmers.
FAQ
TOP 3 swimming aids 2024 for adults
1. beco aqua jogging belt
Advantages
- Effective buoyancy thanks to high-quality PE foam
- Slim fit with high back
- Great comfort and freedom of movement
- 3 different sizes
- For people up to 120 kg body weight
Disadvantages
- Not suitable for absolute non-swimmers
- Too wide for narrow waists
Summary
The swimming belt is designed for water aerobics and swimming training. It is made of high-quality and durable PE foam, which ensures optimum buoyancy.
It is generally suitable for a waist circumference of 70 to 130 cm. They can be put on and taken off quickly and easily thanks to the snap fastener.
The back is cut slightly higher for a high level of comfort. Apart from this, the belt is very narrow and therefore allows a high degree of freedom of movement.
Conclusion
For people with some swimming experience, this high-quality belt offers the necessary support to move safely in the water.
People who have never been in deep water prefer to use a different product.
Product details
Age: Adults | Size: 72.01 x 24.99 x 3.99 cm | Weight limit: up to 120 kg
Customer ratings
You can swim well with the belt. This gives insecure swimmers the support they need to feel comfortable in the water. Handling is very simple. The durability and quality of the material are also impressive.
Around 10% are neutral about the product, while 6% rate the product as poor and inadequate.
The belt is only suitable to a limited extent for people with very narrow waists, as it does not fit tightly enough and slips. For some customers, the belt was not properly threaded into the buckle and therefore could not be fastened. Re-threading remedied this.
FAQ
2. riptide buoyancy aid
Advantages
- Inflatable swim vest for great freedom of movement
- Straps on the legs for extra support
- Welded seams sewn to the inside for greater comfort
Disadvantages
- Unpleasant plastic odor possible at first
- Limited shelf life
Summary
The OUSPT swim vest stands out because it is inflatable. The buckles on the thighs prevent the vest from being lost in the water. The size can also be adjusted at the buckle. The seams in the neck area are stitched inwards to prevent pressure points and chafing. The freedom of movement of the arms is hardly restricted.
Conclusion
This swim vest is very useful for non-swimmers. It is practical, compact and meets all safety requirements. However, it is not a lifejacket.
Product details
Age: Children and adults | Size: N/A | Weight limit: 30 – 100 kg
Customer ratings
The swim vest is very stable and has good buoyancy. This gives you a feeling of safety in the water. It does not hinder movement. Inflation and donning is quick and uncomplicated. The minimalist design is also well received by customers. As it is inflatable, it takes up very little space during transportation.
Around 11% are neutral about the product, while 12% rate the product as poor and inadequate.
The swim vest may smell a little unpleasantly of plastic at first. Their longevity is limited.
FAQ
3. beco kickboard swimming
Advantages
- 2 recessed grips to hold on to
- Can be used as a swimming aid and training device
- Complies with all safety standards
Disadvantages
- Safety sticker with warnings detracts from the appearance and can leave residue when removed
- Not suitable for absolute non-swimmers
Summary
The kickboard swimming from the well-known manufacturer Beco is versatile. On the one hand, it supports learning to swim. It can also be used for targeted training of arm and leg work.
The kickboard swimming has an ergonomic shape and is equipped with two practical recessed grips to hold on to. The material is high-quality PE foam.
The kickboard swimming is TÜV and GS-certified and complies with the EN 13138 standard. You can choose between several colors.
Conclusion
If you already have basic swimming skills but would like some extra safety in the water, this kickboard swimming is for you.
Product details
Age: Children and adults | Size: 47 x 31 x 3.6 | Weight limit: N/A
Customer ratings
The kickboard swimming provides sufficient buoyancy to support you while swimming. It is also great for training footwork. The workmanship is impressive. The rounded edge and high durability are particularly praised. The holes for holding on are rated as particularly practical.
Around 6% are neutral about the product, while 5% rate the product as poor and inadequate.
The main point of criticism from customers is the large safety sticker on the board, which cannot be removed without leaving residue and damaging the foam. According to the manufacturer, this sticker should not be removed at all because it contains important warnings, but according to customers it could have been applied in a more attractive way.
FAQ
More articles you might find interesting:
Buying buoyancy aids:
How to make the right decision
Getting children used to water as early as possible has many advantages. This is not least about your safety.
Safety from drowning:
Statistically speaking, young children between the ages of 1 and 4 are the most frequent victims of drowning. Buoyancy aids ensure that your child is already safe in the water when learning to swim.
How to recognize quality:
However, as there is a wide variety of buoyancy aids on the market, BeyondSurfing introduces you to the most important models and explains what is important when choosing one.
What you need to consider when buying a buoyancy aid
To find the best buoyancy aid, you should definitely consider the following points:
- Type of buoyancy aid
- Security
- Size
- Price
Types of buoyancy aids
Buoyancy aids can be very different. The following list provides an overview of the different types of buoyancy aids:
Swim vests
Swim vests are good for all ages, including adult non-swimmers. They are characterized in particular by very good buoyancy, arm freedom and the ability to float on your back.
Water wings
Water wings are usually inflatable, but can also be made of foam. Very suitable for the first attempts at independent swimming. They are also available in a wide range of colors and styles. However, the arm clearance is less than with swim vests.
Kickboards/kickboard swimming
Kickboard swimming boards are usually made of EVA plastic. Suitable for more experienced swimmers who want to train their posture and swimming technique.
Swimming belt
Swimming belts are also more suitable for swimmers with basic swimming skills and are often used in combination with a kickboard. Their advantage is the freedom of movement of the arms and the good swimming position.
Swimming tire/swimming seat
Buoyancy aids are available especially for babies and toddlers. The children sit or lie in the buoyancy aid and can be strapped into it. Models without a harness system, on the other hand, are intended more as toys for older children who already have some swimming skills.
Pool noodles
Pool noodles are often used by children for play, but are also useful as a buoyancy aid for inexperienced or unsure swimmers of all ages. Placed in front of the chest, they help to improve swimming technique and posture in the water.
Which type of buoyancy aid is best for you or your child depends on the following 2 factors:
- Personal preferences? Everyone copes better or worse with different swimming aids. It can therefore be well worth trying out different swimming aids.
- Any swimming experience? Some swimming aids are intended for people who already have a certain level of basic skills in the water.
Safety of swimming aids
The most important thing is that buoyancy aids reliably keep the user afloat. How safe a buoyancy aid is therefore depends primarily on how much buoyancy it offers.
How much buoyancy is required in each individual case depends on:
- Body weight of the user,
- Swimming ability of the user and
- Location or type of water (more buoyancy is usually required in the sea than in a swimming pool).
How to recognize safe swimming aids:
There are a few points you can look out for in order to recognize safe products. Inflatable buoyancy aids should have at least safety valves and two air chambers.
Also pay attention to the smell. If a buoyancy aid smells strongly of chemicals, this may be an indication of harmful substances.
Useful certifications?
There are several certificates and standards that provide information on the safety of swimming aids and the absence of harmful substances in the materials used.
BeyondSurfing recommends paying attention to the following certifications:
- EN 13138 standard
- TÜV certificate
- GS mark
Children should never go into the water unsupervised, even if they are wearing buoyancy aids. Accidents can still happen even with the best swimming aid.
The right size of buoyancy aids
To be fully effective and really safe, buoyancy aids must fit well:
- They must not fit so tightly that they are uncomfortable.
- However, they must not be too loose so that they do not slip off the body in the water.
Observe the manufacturer’s weight limits:
Instead of sizes, the recommended age and weight are indicated on most buoyancy aids. The weight specification in particular should always be observed.
This means:
Sufficient buoyancy can only be guaranteed if the child or adult user is within the permitted weight limit.
Prices of swimming aids
The price of a buoyancy aid can vary greatly. Most models are in the range of around 10 to 30 $.
Swim vests tend to be in the upper price range. Water wings, swimming belts or kickboards are cheaper.
How can you recognize good quality swimming aids?
- To ensure that your buoyancy aid is of good quality, you should pay attention to the official safety standards and certificates.
- On the other hand, it is worthwhile to fall back on renowned manufacturers, as good quality and durability can be assumed with these.
Well-known brands in the area of swimming aids are
Beco, Aqua Sphere, Arena, Splash About, Flipper SwimSafe, Bema, Zoggs
Note: The largest selection of swimming aids is available from online retailers such as Amazon.
Buoyancy aid tests by Consumer Reports and Öko Test
Consumer Reports carried out an extensive test with 20 swimming aids in 2011. Safety, exposure to harmful substances and correct labeling of the products were tested(source).
In terms of safety, floating seats scored particularly poorly. 3 of the 4 products that received a poor rating for safety were in this category.
Only a quarter of the swimming aids were completely free of harmful substances:
Only 5 swimming aids were completely free of harmful substances. These included the Bema water wings, the Schlori swimming cushion and the water wings, swimming noodle and the swimming seat from Beco. All other products were slightly to heavily contaminated with harmful substances.
Furthermore, numerous products were found to have deficiencies with regard to correct labeling.
Buoyancy aids test winner: Bema water wings
Overall, the Bema water wings scored best, as they were the only product tested to receive a good or very good rating in all 3 categories examined.
Buoyancy aids with Öko Test
Öko-Test also looked at swimming aids in 2018. The focus here was on pollution(source).
Similar to Consumer Reports, the results of Öko Test were also sobering. Of the 15 buoyancy aids tested, only 5 were free of harmful substances.
FAQ: Frequently asked questions and answers about buoyancy aids
What is a buoyancy aid?
What is the best swimming aid for learning to swim?
When should baby floats start?
Which baby floats?
Which buoyancy aid for children?
Which buoyancy aid for adults?
Conclusion: The most popular swimming aids reviewed
With so many different swimming aids to choose from, it is worth considering which variant is best suited to your needs.
Why is this important?
With the right swimming aid, even non-swimmers can have lots of fun in the water.
Editor's note: The opinions expressed here are those of the author alone. The content has not been endorsed, reviewed, approved, or in any way financially supported by any advertiser. We only include products we believe to be useful. How we work*Price includes VAT, plus shipping. Customer reviews, prices, delivery times and costs may change in the meantime. By linking to selected online shops and partners, we may receive a small affiliate commission. There are no additional costs for you.
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