Enjoy Summer with Confidence
When it comes to choosing a flotation aid for your child, it can be difficult to know where to start. Swim vests, life jackets, back floats, swim belts... each of these products serves a different purpose!
Whether your child is playing in the pool, taking swimming lessons, or spending a day at the cottage, the most important thing is choosing a product that matches the activity and your child's comfort level in the water.
In this guide, we'll help you better understand the differences between the main types of flotation aids so you can choose the option that best suits your family this summer.
Life Jackets: Essential for Boating and Water Activities
Designed to help keep children safe during water activities, an approved life jacket¹ is the preferred choice for boating, dockside activities, cottage outings, and days spent on the lake.
Unlike swim-training products designed for pool use, life jackets are intended to keep a child afloat in an emergency and meet Canadian safety standards. For boating and other watercraft activities, it is important to choose an approved model that can be identified by its label or recognized Canadian compliance markings.
At Clément, you'll find a variety of comfortable models designed for both infants and older children, available in fun colours and patterns that kids will enjoy wearing all summer long, including life jackets from brands such as Hooké, Level Six, and Aquam.
Please note that there is currently no testing standard available to certify personal flotation devices (PFDs) for children weighing less than 9 kg / 20 lb. However, brands such as Salus and Level Six have developed models specifically designed for infants. Transport Canada and the Canadian Coast Guard recognize these products as appropriate safety devices for babies under 20 lb during water activities².
Swim Vests: Perfect for Learning to Swim
Ideal for the pool and water play under parental supervision, swim vests help children build confidence and develop their skills in the water at their own pace.
Lighter and more flexible than an approved life jacket, a swim vest allows for greater freedom of movement to move, float, and practise those first swimming motions. Some adjustable models, like those from Current Tyed, even feature removable inner floats, allowing you to add or remove support based on your child's comfort level and experience in the water.
Practical, comfortable, and colourful, swim vests are perfect for accompanying little swimmers all summer long!
Choosing the Right Flotation Aid for a Fun Summer in the Water
Every child progresses at their own pace in the water. Some may need a little extra support to build confidence, while others are already comfortable moving around and swimming. The most important thing is choosing a flotation aid that matches the planned activity, your child's age, and their level of independence. And of course, regardless of the product being used, nothing replaces the attentive supervision of an adult near the water.
Whether you're planning cottage vacations, pool days, or swimming lessons this summer, you'll find a selection of life jackets, swim vests, and swimsuits at Clément to help children enjoy the water all season long.
Need help choosing the right model? Visit one of our stores and our advisors will be happy to help you find the product best suited to your child's age and comfort level in the water. Happy swimming!
