I'm a dad of a 14-month-old and we needed a swimming float that would support our daughter when conducting swimming lessons. We tested the product while we were on a swimming lesson within the UK. Our daughter already attends swimming lessons and is comfortable in water but we wanted a swimming float that would help her feel more comfortable when swimming.
Pros
- Excellent adjustable buoyancy
- Tips child into the "natural" swimming position
- Tummy strap clip very secure and cannot be undone by a child
Cons
- Only suitable from 2 years +
| Materials | Ethylene Vinyl Acetate Foam |
| Size | 2-6 years |
Testing the Splash About Back Float
Firstly this product is designed for kids aged 2-6 years or between 15-30kg. Our daughter is 14 months old and weighs 9kg so it is probably a bit early for her to be using this but we still found the float useful. The product consists of an adjustable tummy strap (which seems like it would fit most children in the age and weight range) and 4 floats that can be removed one by one over time dependent on how confident your child is swimming - the product does require 2 floats to be in place at all time so you can remove a maximum of 2 floats.
The product holds the child in the correct position for swimming and also our daughter loved the fact that her hands arms and legs were free for her to kick and splash about in the pool. The buoyancy of the product is excellent (as it would be because our daughter is under the recommended weight for use), as all of the buoyancy is towards the back, your child is tipped into the correct position for swimming which is great, but you still must supervise your child at all times.
Final verdict
This product is a great alternative to traditional armbands which some children can find quite restrictive and this product promotes confidence in your child's swimming technique. It felt like excellent value for money and I would 100% recommend it to other parents and swimming instructors.
FAQs
How is the Splash About Back Float used?
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Strap the float around your child's waist, the safety clips ensures it is not easily removed by your child in the water.
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When worn, it holds the child in the correct swimming position with their shoulders under the water.
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Arms and legs are free to practice swimming.
What should I know before using the float?
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You can remove a maximum of 2 back board floats.
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Adult supervision is needed at all times.
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You may need to hold your child's hands until they find their own balance and stability.
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The vibrant colours of the back float are for visibility in the water.