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The 8 best swimming belts 2024?

by Laura

swimming belt
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Swimming belts are versatile in the water and are therefore available in an infinite number of designs. Who can keep track of over 684 products on Amazon alone?

Avoid buying mistakes:

BeyondSurfing has examined 63 of the most popular swimming belts for children and adults and presents the best models to you at 2024.

It gets even better:

You can also find out what to look out for when buying and how to recognize good quality.

Finding the right swimming belt:

In a hurry? Our favorite swimming belt:

Special Offer
Beco Sealife swimming belt*
What characterizes the offer?

  • 5 removable kayak float bags
  • Infinitely adjustable belt with safety buckle
  • Complies with all required safety standards

“The swimming belt fits well and the motif is cute. What more could a child want?” – Sabine T. (★★★★★)

Swimming belt Checklist

  • Why use it? Swimming belts give a beginner swimmer safety in the water, while at the same time the correct swimming technique can be practiced.
  • Who is it suitable for? Swimming belts are not for complete beginners, as they require a certain level of basic safety in the water.
  • What is it suitable for? Swimming belts are perfect for training arm and leg technique. Swimming belts are also ideal for water sports such as aqua gymnastics and aqua jogging.

Top 5 swimming belts for children 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.

1. Beco Sealife swimming belt

Special Offer

Advantages

  • 5 removable kayak float bags
  • Infinitely adjustable belt with safety buckle
  • Complies with all required safety standards

Disadvantages

  • Can slide upwards
  • Reattaching the kayak float bags is cumbersome
  • Causes unpleasant welts on the skin of some children

Summary

The swimming belt from Beco contains 5 kayak float bags made of foam. The green color and the funny fish motif make the product very appealing to children.

All kayak float bags can be individually removed from the belt and reattached. This allows the buoyancy to be adapted to the child’s growing swimming skills.

The belt itself is infinitely adjustable. It is secured with a childproof patented lock. This ensures a secure and snug fit for every child.

The swimming belt is TÜV and GS-certified and complies with EU standard EN 13138.

Conclusion

One of the most affordable swimming belts on the market that also meets the highest quality standards. Then there’s the cute design and practical features.

Children feel safe in the water with this swimming belt. So you can’t go far wrong with this swimming belt.

Product details

Number of kayak float bags: 5 | Age: 2 – 6 years | Body weight: 15 – 30 kg

Customer ratings

What customers say
A full 86% of all customers rate the product as good to very good with four to five stars.

Both the quality and workmanship of the swimming belt are excellent. This applies
especially in view of the low price. It brings the child into the perfect water position,
to learn how to swim. The arms are free, making the belt more comfortable to wear than water wings. The children feel safe with the belt. With the
time, the kayak float bags can be reduced.

Around 8% are neutral about the product, while 6% rate the product as poor and inadequate.

The swimming belt tends to slide upwards and then interfere. If it is fastened too tightly as a result, it constricts the stomach and leaves welts on the skin. Once the kayak float bags have been removed, re-threading is quite complicated.

Click here to go directly to the customer reviews “

FAQ

Can the kayak float bags be removed individually?
Yes, the kayak float bags can be individually removed from the harness and reattached.
Can the swimming belt also be used for children who do not yet weigh 15 kilos?
It is always better to follow the manufacturer’s instructions, as this is the only way to ensure ideal buoyancy.

2. PI-PE swimming belt for children

Advantages

  • Lightweight kayak float bags with good buoyancy
  • Individual removal and addition of the kayak float bags possible
  • Child-friendly design with sea creature motifs

Disadvantages

  • Can slide up or loosen in the water
  • Initially strong plastic odor
  • Motifs can become detached over time

Summary

The swimming belt has 5 kayak float bags with cute motifs of sea creatures. It is also available in different colors.

The individual kayak float bags can be easily removed and reattached. The strap to which they are attached can be adjusted in length. The fastener holds securely, yet it is quick and easy to put on and take off.

The kayak float bags are made of 100% EVA foam. They are therefore very light, but offer reliable and consistent buoyancy.

Conclusion

A high-quality swimming belt with a design that will delight the little ones. Customers describe that their children feel very safe in the water with the belt.

Product details

Number of kayak float bags: 5 | Age: 2 – 6 years | Body weight: 15 – 30 kg

Customer ratings

What customers say
A full 79% of all customers rate the product as good to very good with four to five stars.

Children feel very safe in the water with this swimming belt. They automatically assume the correct swimming position. You will quickly learn to swim independently. The belt fits well and has a sturdy fastening. The quality and workmanship are impressive, as is the cute design.

Around 12% are neutral about the product, while 8% rate the product as poor and inadequate.

Initially, the swimming belt smells of plastic. The buckle opened in the water for some customers. The swimming belt can slip up. The cute motifs on the floats came off after a short time for some customers.

Click here to go directly to the customer reviews “

FAQ

Can the harness be tightened as tightly as required for slim children?
Yes, the belt is infinitely adjustable. If necessary, an element can be removed to make it even tighter. It should only be noted that there will then be slightly less lift.
Does the belt have safety test marks?
Yes, the belt is CE-certified and has been tested in accordance with the EN standard for buoyancy aids.

3. beco swimming belt

Special Offer

Advantages

  • Safety lock
  • Even buoyancy thanks to 5 removable kayak float bags
  • Adjustable strap

Disadvantages

  • Sometimes not tight enough
  • Initial plastic odor

Summary

The swimming belt from Beco provides your child with even buoyancy in the water thanks to the 5 kayak float bags. Over time, the floats can then be removed individually.

The swimming belt fits well and supports children’s natural swimming posture.

The belt has a total length of 90 cm. It can be flexibly adjusted up to this size. It is fastened with a safety buckle.

Conclusion

A very good swimming belt in eye-catching red that makes children easy to see in the water.

Product details

Number of kayak float bags: 5 | Age: N/A | Body weight: 15 – 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.

As the kayak float bags can be reduced over time, this swimming belt gives children a lot of safety. It also fits well and supports the natural swimming position. The individual kayak float bags can be moved along the belt. This ensures that the children’s arms remain free.

Around 9% are neutral about the product, while 14% rate the product as poor and inadequate.

The swimming belt was not tight enough for some customers and slipped upwards. The quality of the closure was also criticized. Initially there is an unpleasant plastic smell. Over time, the red layer peels off the kayak float bags, although this does not affect their performance and is purely an optical blemish.

Click here to go directly to the customer reviews “

FAQ

How difficult is it to re-thread the floats?
Threading the kayak float bags is easy and doesn’t take long.
Up to what abdominal circumference can the swimming belt be used?
The belt has a maximum length of 90 cm.

4. aqua speed swimming belt

Advantages

  • Lightweight, removable kayak float bags
  • Suitable for swimming training and aqua fitness
  • Available in different colors

Disadvantages

  • Can loosen in water

Summary

The Aqua Speed swimming belt is just as suitable for aqua fitness as it is for learning to swim. The swimming belt is fastened with a robust but easy-to-use buckle. The length of the belt itself can be easily adjusted.

The EVA foam kayak float bags can be removed to regulate the buoyancy individually. They are very light in order to disturb as little as possible when swimming.

The swimming belt is available in different colors.

Conclusion

A solid swimming belt for children with hardly anything to complain about. However, make sure that the harness fits correctly before your first visit to the pool. Depending on your body shape, it may slip slightly.

Product details

Number of kayak float bags: 5 | Age: 3 – 6 years | Body weight: 18 – 30 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.

The swimming belt is perfect for training the correct swimming technique. The children feel comfortable with it and learn quickly. The size is easy to adjust. Both quality and price are convincing.

Around 6% are neutral about the product, while 11% rate the product as poor and inadequate.

The swimming belt can loosen during swimming and then slide upwards.

Click here to go directly to the customer reviews “

FAQ

How heavy is the swimming belt?
EVA foam does not weigh much. The swimming belt therefore has a total weight of just under 140 g.
Is it possible to lose the swimming belt in the water?
Due to the design of swimming belts, it is generally possible for them to slip upwards. However, a complete loss should not occur.

5. beco swimming belt

Advantages

  • Striking color
  • Individually removable kayak float bags
  • Safety lock

Disadvantages

  • Can loosen and slide upwards
  • Difficult to attach the floats
  • Initially strong plastic odor

Summary

The kayak float bags in the Beco swimming belt are made of polyethylene foam and can be removed individually. They have the eye-catching signal color red. Your child will quickly stand out in the water.

The belt is adjustable in size. It is secured with a click fastener, which is not easy for children to open. This reduces the risk of your child removing the swimming belt in the water on their own.

Conclusion

A simple but reliable swimming belt from the renowned manufacturer Beco. You’ve come to the right place if you’re looking for an affordable yet sturdy swimming belt.

Product details

Number of kayak float bags: 5 | Age: N/A | Body weight: 15 – 30 kg

Customer ratings

What customers say
A full 80% of all customers rate the product as good to very good with four to five stars.

The swimming belt fits securely without slipping. It does not constrict the child and does not rub against the skin. When swimming, it offers more freedom of movement than water wings. It doesn’t even get in the way when playing on the beach. The swimming belt gives anxious children a lot of security in the water. Removing the individual kayak float bags is easy.

Around 9% are neutral about the product, while 11% rate the product as poor and inadequate.

The swimming belt can loosen and slip upwards. It left red welts on the skin of some children. Reattaching the floats is difficult. Initially, the swimming belt smells strongly of plastic.

Click here to go directly to the customer reviews “

FAQ

Are the kayak float bags removable?
Yes, the kayak float bags can be removed. To do this, first remove the fastener and then pull any number of kayak float bags off the belt. The fastener can simply be rethreaded afterwards.
Will the belt keep a toddler afloat?
In terms of buoyancy, yes. However, make sure that the child’s head is not held above the water. The child must already be able to use the belt themselves.

Top 3 swimming belts for adults 2024

1. Everest Fitness water aerobic jogging belt

Advantages

  • High-cut back for support during aqua sports
  • Size adjustable from 70 – 130 cm waist circumference
  • Practical quick-release fastener

Disadvantages

  • Belt partially incorrectly threaded into buckle
  • Too long for very slim waists
  • May smell unpleasantly of plastic at first

Summary

The swimming belt is ideal for water sports in the aqua fitness area. However, it can also be used as a safe swimming aid for swimming training.

The kayak float bag is made of high-quality and durable PE foam. This offers you optimum buoyancy. The back is cut high. This gives you additional support during aqua sports.

The waist belt can be adjusted from 70 cm to a maximum waist circumference of 130 cm. It is closed with a snap fastener so that it can be put on and taken off quickly.

Conclusion

The swimming belt recommendation for aqua fitness, which can also be used as an aid to learning to swim.

Product details

Number of kayak float bags: 1 | Age: N/A | Body weight: up to 100 kg

Customer ratings

What customers say
A full 84% of all customers rate the product as good to very good with four to five stars.

The swimming belt is easy to use. The size is easily adjustable. It provides good buoyancy in the water, making you feel safe. The material feels pleasant against the skin. Overall, the swimming belt offers outstanding value for money.

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

Sometimes the belt is threaded incorrectly in the buckle and cannot be tightened, which then has to be corrected manually. The swimming belt is too long for very slim people. At first it smells unpleasantly of plastic.

Click here to go directly to the customer reviews “

FAQ

Can the swimming belt also be used for children?
A waist circumference of at least 70 cm is required for the swimming belt to fit. It is therefore too big for most children.

2. EVEREST-FITNESS swimming belt

Advantages

  • Developed for aqua sports and rehab
  • Material adapts flexibly to the body
  • Wide back section for more support during aqua sports

Disadvantages

  • Swimming belt can slip upwards
  • Too long for slim people
  • Initially strong plastic odor

Summary

The swimming belt was developed for aqua fitness and for use in rehabilitation measures. The material is water-repellent EVA foam. This is soft and flexible. It adapts to the shape of the back and is comfortable to wear.

The back section is very wide, providing additional support and better balance during aqua sports. The even buoyancy also helps.

Conclusion

One of the best swimming belts for aqua sports. It is perfectly cut to protect the spine and support the body during exercises.

Product details

Number of kayak float bags: 1 | Age: N/A | Body weight: up to 110 kg

Customer ratings

What customers say
A full 78% of all customers rate the product as good to very good with four to five stars.

The swimming belt is ideal for a wide range of aqua fitness exercises. At the same time, it is comfortable to swim in for longer periods of time. The buoyancy is good, it doesn’t pinch and hardly slips. Unlike many comparable models, the width can also be readjusted in the water. The wide back supports the spine and makes the swimming belt comfortable to wear.

Around 11% are neutral about the product, while 11% rate the product as poor and inadequate.

The swimming belt slips up quickly, especially on slim people. Overall, it is not suitable for very narrow waists. Initially, the swimming belt smells strongly of plastic. Some customers were not satisfied with the longevity.

Click here to go directly to the customer reviews “

FAQ

Is the swimming belt suitable for non-swimmers or for disabled people who are unsure in the water?
The belt provides buoyancy and can therefore help inexperienced or unsure swimmers. However, you should have some basic swimming skills to use it, as it is NOT a swimming aid for non-swimmers.
Can the swimming belt be worn during pregnancy?
In terms of length, this should be possible. However, to be on the safe side, you should check with your doctor beforehand whether it is advisable.

3. beco aqua jogging swimming belt

Advantages

  • Especially for aqua sports and rehab
  • High-cut back section
  • Can be used up to 145 cm waist circumference

Disadvantages

  • Can slide upwards
  • Only slight adaptation of the material to the body

Summary

The swimming belt can be used for aqua sports and rehabilitation measures. It was specially developed to reduce the strain on the joints during exercises in the water.

The kayak float bag is made of high-quality EVA plastic. The back section is cut high to improve support in the water. The belt is closed with a practical quick-release fastener. It is adjustable up to a length of 145 cm.

Conclusion

A good swimming belt for water aerobics and aqua sports that does not interfere with movement in the water.

Product details

Number of kayak float bags: 5 | Age: adults | Body weight: up to 70 kg

Customer ratings

What customers say
A full 67% of all customers rate the product as good to very good with four to five stars.

The swimming belt feels good in the water and does not interfere with swimming. The buoyancy is ideal for aqua sports. As the side panels are cut flat, the arms still have freedom of movement even if the belt slips up. It can also be worn well by slender people. Overall, it offers very good value for money.

Around 13% are neutral about the product, while 19% rate the product as poor and inadequate.

The swimming belt can slide upwards during use. Due to the comparatively thick material, the belt does not fit the body perfectly.

Click here to go directly to the customer reviews “

FAQ

Is the belt also suitable for beginners learning to swim?
It should provide enough buoyancy to keep a novice swimmer afloat. However, you should have some minimum swimming skills, as it is NOT a swimming aid for non-swimmers.
How long is the swimming belt?
The maximum length is 145 cm.

Buy a swimming belt:
How to make the right decision

swimming_belt_children
Swimming belts are perfect for beginners to learn the correct technique after the first exercises with water wings and to train further skills.

But it gets even better:

Water wings are also ideal for aqua fitness and rehabilitation sports in the water.

Avoid buying mistakes:

The number of products on the market is now huge, which makes it difficult to choose. BeyondSurfing therefore explains what is important when buying a swimming belt and how you can recognize good quality.

What you need to consider when buying a swimming belt

To find the best swimming belt, you should pay attention to the following features:

  • Size
  • Number of kayak float bags
  • Material
  • Manufacturer
  • Price

The right swimming belt size

Swimming belts are available in different sizes, both for children and adults. There are two features to consider when choosing the right size:

  1. Waist circumference,
  2. Age and weight.
1 Waist circumference

The waist circumference is important in order to be able to estimate the correct length of the waist belt. These are usually adjustable. Nevertheless, it is important to ensure that it is long enough to fit around the body before purchasing.

2 Age and weight information

In addition to waist circumference, age and weight also play a role. Most products contain information on the recommended age and the maximum permitted weight for using the swimming belt.

Why is this important?

For safety reasons, the maximum weight should not be exceeded. This is the only way to ensure that the swimming belt actually keeps you or your child reliably afloat.

How to recognize the right size and fit

Even with a lot of movement in the water, the belt must not leave its place:

  • The swimming belt must be tight enough to prevent it from sliding up from the stomach. (If it slides upwards, it hinders the swimming movement and can no longer provide ideal buoyancy).
  • On the other hand, the belt should not be so tight that it pinches or is uncomfortable to wear.
Pro tip: Test the correct fit beforehand!

Depending on your physique, the belt may fit poorly even if you are the right weight and size. Therefore, never rely completely on the manufacturer’s instructions, but try out your belt on land or in very shallow water before using it for the first time.

The right number of kayak float bags

The buoyancy of the swimming belt is provided by the foam blocks attached to the belt. The number of these kayak float bags can vary:

Swimming belt with a kayak float bag for aquafitness

Swimming belts with only one kayak float bag, so-called mono belts, are used in water aerobics, aqua fitness or aqua jogging. The kayak float bag, in the form of a wide back section, supports the body when performing all fitness movements in the water.

Caution: These belts are less suitable for learning to swim. Firstly, they offer less buoyancy overall, and secondly, the number of floats cannot be varied.

Swimming belt with several kayak float bags for learning to swim

Models with 5 kayak float bags are recommended for beginners who wear the belt as a swimming aid for learning. This gives you sufficient buoyancy and allows you to feel safe in the water.

Make sure that the floats are removable!

As a rule, the kayak float bags can be removed from the belt and added again. As your or your child’s swimming skills grow, you can minimize the number of kayak float bags accordingly.

Swimming with the belt gradually becomes more challenging until independent swimming without a swimming aid is possible.

Material of swimming belts

The kayak float bags of the swimming belts are usually made of polystyrene. Other synthetic materials are also used.

The advantage is that, unlike many other buoyancy aids, they do not need to be inflated. In addition, the kayak float bags can be produced in all colors. You can also get swimming belts with cute motifs for children.

Ensure good skin compatibility:

A swimming belt should feel comfortable against the skin. Rounded edges are important for this so that you don’t chafe against the kayak float bags.

Also look out for certificates confirming that the swimming belts are free of harmful substances and generally safe.

The most important certifications include

  • European standard for buoyancy aids EN 13138
  • GS certificate
  • TÜV certificate

Swimming belt manufacturer

There are a large number of swimming belt manufacturers on the market. It is often not easy to maintain an overview here. The well-known brands include:


Beco, Hudora, Aqua Speed, Physio, Babysplash, Arena, Swimfin, Atomic, Fashy


Prices of swimming belts

Prices for swimming belts can vary depending on the manufacturer. They start at just under $ 10 and go up to around $ 30. As a rule, mono belts for adults are slightly more expensive than swimming belts for children.

Swimming belts tested by Consumer Reports and Öko Test

Consumer Reports conducted a test of 20 swimming aids in 2011, 2 of which were swimming belts(source).

The result:

  • Good safety: Both swimming belts scored well in terms of safety and are harmless in this respect.
  • Pollutant load questionable: The result was different in terms of pollutant load. Traces of harmful plasticizers were found in both models.

The correct use of swimming belts

The use of a swimming belt seems self-explanatory at first. However, a few points should be borne in mind:

Who should use swimming belts?

Swimming belts are used by experienced swimmers for aqua fitness. They also serve as a swimming aid for beginners, making it easier for them to learn.

Watch out: Swimming belts are not for absolute non-swimmers!

With a swimming belt, the user must be able to keep their head above water independently. Children or adults who have never swum before prefer to use water wings, for example.

However, if a beginner swimmer already has a little practice, they can benefit greatly from a swimming belt.

The advantages of a swimming belt include:

  • the large arm and leg room for performing swimming movements,
  • Stable position in the water, equivalent to swimming without a buoyancy aid,
  • Possibility of gradual reduction of the kayak float bags so that the beginner swimmer is not left without a buoyancy aid at a stroke.

Put on your swimming belt correctly?

The swimming belt is placed around the waist and fastened. The width is adjustable. Make sure that the belt is neither too tight nor too loose so that it does not interfere or slip.

The kayak float bags should be evenly distributed around the body. This ensures the right balance in the water. If the kayak float bags are unevenly distributed, there is a risk of tipping to one side in the water.

FAQ: Frequently asked questions and answers about swimming belts

How do I put on a swimming belt correctly?

The swimming belt sits at waist level. Make sure that the buoyancy elements are evenly distributed around the body. The swimming belt must be tight enough to prevent it from slipping.

How does a swimming belt fit correctly?

A swimming belt must not be too tight or too loose. It should therefore neither slip nor constrict you. It is best to test the fit in shallow water before you start swimming in earnest.

Which swimming belt is suitable for aqua jogging?

For aqua jogging, mono belts are best, which only have one kayak float bag on the back. Ideally, this should be cut high to provide you with the best support when moving.

From how many years old can you wear a swimming belt?

In theory, even small children can wear swimming belts. However, it is important to note that swimming belts are not suitable for absolute beginners. You should already have some experience and basic knowledge of swimming.

Where can you buy swimming belts?

Swimming belts are available from sporting goods manufacturers such as Sport-Thieme or Empty. Online retailers such as Amazon offer the largest selection.

Which swimming belt is the best?

This depends on your needs, i.e. whether you are looking for a buoyancy aid for sport or for learning to swim. In any case, make sure that the swimming belt is designed for the correct body size and weight. Their safety should be certified so that they can be used as a buoyancy aid without hesitation.

Conclusion: The most popular swimming belts reviewed

Aqua jogging, water aerobics or simply learning to swim – swimming belts can be used in a variety of ways. With the right model, safety and fun in the water are guaranteed.

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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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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