Definition of a puddle jumper

A puddle jumper is a floatation device for children that is often an upgrade from a water wing or floatie because it has the added benefit of an undershirt that attaches to your child's chest to provide extra float. This means that your child cannot remove it, or even the water hydrofoil, because it is all attached.

They are designed to allow children to swim in them, but they are not designed to keep your child face up in the water. When should your child use a puddle jumper?

Puddle pullovers are great for your child to wear in the pool where they may be supervised. They are great for kids to play in the water and to familiarize them with basic swimming techniques. They are usually designed for children between 30 and 50 pounds who may already have some basic swimming skills or know how to keep their head afloat.

A puddle jumper can meet the boating regulations for your child to wear on deck, but it may not offer as many safety features as a standard life jacket. Definition of a life jacket They are available in infant, child and youth sizes to fit children of all ages and are usually sized by weight. Infant life jackets and some children's life jackets often have crotch straps so that the life jacket can stay in place rather than climbing up off the child's face.

They also usually have head support pillows that provide extra buoyancy for your child's head and help them to stay face up in the water. However, not all children's life jackets are designed to force face-up floating.