Sydenham Street Swimming School

We have always wondered about the safety of neck flotation devices for babies swimming. The following article addresses these issues.
Further to the issues raised I wonder whether they are appropriate for the development of babies at young ages. Physical development starts from the head down. The babies at first learn to control their head movements so they can see the world around them. Then once they can see they will attempt to learn control over arm movements and eventually leg movements.
This is where I have doubts about the neck inflatables - wearing them the babies will not be able to see their hands or legs so wearing them becomes a pleasant experience in the water but teaches nothing about personal flotation or learning to swim.

Children’s health: Are baby neck floats safe to use in the tub or pool? Baby neck floats have become a popular accessory on social media, often shown as a cute and convenient way to let infants bob around in the tub or pool. While these inflatable rings may look fun and r...

This is a post from the Australian Swim Teachers Network

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Declining swimming ability in our kids is becoming a real concern.
Many children are not reaching basic water safety benchmarks. A recent Royal Life Saving Australia report found that around 48% of Year 6 students can’t swim 50m or tread water for 2 minutes—and these skills often don’t improve into high school.
In Sweden, primary students must swim 200 metres continuously before moving into high school.
Interesting, isn’t it? We’re known as a nation of swimmers, yet so many of our kids aren’t meeting even the basics.
So where are we falling short?

We have previously mentioned the Swedish benchmark of swimming 200 metres continuously in primary school.

It makes sense-
Most drownings occur within 20 metres of safety.
We expect someone is suddenly immersed in cold water they will only be able to swim 10% of the distance they can swim continuously in the pool.

10% of 200 metres is 20 metres.

Shouldn't it be 400 metres for a margin of safety?

A great article. National guidelines for swimming ability are far too low. And then to consider that half of children cannot continuously swim far enough to attain that standard is sad. There
are numerous young children in our advanced classes who are reaching the 17 year old National guideline of 400 metres continuous freestyle - 7, 8 year old swimmers. The guidelines should be higher. At the moment they are a licence to drown.

Some kids stop swimming lessons too early. How well can your child actually swim? Studies show parents can misjudge how far children can swim and their water safety knowledge.

Supervise your kids near water. From the RLSS 2025 drowning report.

More on the RLSS 2025 Drowning Report-

What to expect at swimming lessons • The Western Weekender Julie Sheldrake explains the importance of swimming lessons, and what to expect.

Not a local article although a similar story could be written about the MOONEE PONDS area.

Stats say get kids back to swimming lessons to save a life Get the latest NSW Western Plains news, breaking stories and important updates.

Have to agree with this post by the Pool and Hot Tub Alliance.

It is a myth that floatation aids and floaties keep children safe in the water. Flotation aids develop a false sense of security in both child and parent.

But we would go further.

Floaties and Flotation devices have little benefit in teaching safe swimming. Their use during swim lessons is an unnecessary step, most likely slowing the learning of swimming.

It is not swimming if the learner requires the use of a flotation device.

Whatever the device, it will change the learner’s centre of buoyancy impeding the learning of correct body position for buoyancy.

This is even more important for young babies. Babies develop eye and head movements at first, followed by arm movements and later leg movements. They will use their eyes and head movements to see an object and reach for that object.

Some flotation devices used for babies inhibit head movement and make it impossible for babies to see their arms or legs!

At Sydenham St, independent buoyancy skills are taught first and once the learner realises they can float independently, learning becomes much easier.

From the Pool and Hot Tub Alliance-

Parents !
How far can you swim?
Not how far you could swim when you were younger. Swimming takes practice. It is not like riding a bike.
Why ask this question? Read the following article - The drowning death of a Hollywood actor holidaying with his family.

https://www.cbsnews.com/news/malcolm-jamal-warner-dead-drowning-costa-rica/

Malcolm-Jamal Warner, "The Cosby Show" star, dies at 54 in accidental drowning in Costa Rica
CBSNEWS.COM
Malcolm-Jamal Warner, "The Cosby Show" star, dies at 54 in accidental drowning in Costa Rica
Actor and director Malcolm-Jamal Warner, best known for his role on "The Cosby Show," has died.
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Malcolm-Jamal Warner, "The Cosby Show" star, dies at 54 in accidental drowning in Costa Rica Actor and director Malcolm-Jamal Warner, best known for his role on "The Cosby Show," has died.