Swim Vests

Choose by weight first, as age is only a guideline. Swim Essentials swim vests come in three sizes: 1-2 years (11-15 kg), 2-3 years (15-19 kg) and 3-6 years (19-30 kg). Body shape also plays a role. The vest should fit snugly and should not ride up over the chin when your child is in the water.

Swim Essentials swim vests start at the 1-2 years size, for children weighing 11 to 15 kg. For younger babies, a baby float with a built-in seat is the usual choice. Whatever you choose, an adult should always stay within arm's reach, because a swim vest supports your child but does not replace supervision.

Yes. A swim vest is a swimming aid: it helps your child float and move in the pool or at the beach, under supervision. A life vest or life jacket is a rescue device for boating and open water, usually with a collar that keeps the head above water. Swim Essentials swim vests are swimming aids, not life jackets.

A swim vest gives extra buoyancy: the foam helps keep your child's upper body at the surface while they kick and paddle. It does not guarantee that your child's face stays above the water, and it is no substitute for swimming skills. Your child still needs to move actively in the water, with an adult close by at all times.

A swim vest can help your child practise their first strokes and gain confidence, because the arms stay free. Real swimming skills, however, are learned in swimming lessons. See the vest as support while playing and practising in the water, not as a way to learn to swim on its own.

A swim vest helps your child float and gives support with the first swimming strokes, but it is not a life jacket and never replaces supervision. Our swim vest is made of foam, so it cannot deflate. It closes with a safety zip and a safety strap between the legs, so it does not ride up. Always stay within arm's reach of your child.

A newton rating mainly applies to life jackets and buoyancy aids for open water, such as when boating. For a swim vest your child plays in at the pool, you look at the weight class instead: it makes sure the buoyancy matches your child. Our swim vests come in 11 to 15 kg, 15 to 19 kg and 19 to 30 kg. For boating, choose a life jacket.

Put the vest on, close the safety zip fully and fasten the safety strap between the legs. A good fit is snug while your child can still move and play freely. The vest should never feel too tight, but it should not be so loose that it rides up when your child gets into the water. Check the fit before every water adventure and always stay within arm's reach.