The best swim gear for kids with special needs

What's the best swim gear for kids with special needs? After the recent incident in which a boy with cerebral palsy wasn't allowed to wear water wings in a public pool, I had a lot of questions about adaptive swim gear—and I got a lot of good anwers from Terri Lees, MS, a member of the American Red Cross Scientific Advisory Council and the aquatic supervisor at the North Kansas Community Center in Missouri. Check out what she had to say, as well as the Red Cross's free First Aid app for iPhones and Androids, which has a section on water safety. Then check out flotation devices and swim aids (which help position a child for learning to swim) recommended by experts and parents alike. Since pools have different policies on what kind of gear is allowed, you may have to advocate for your child's needs. (Not that you aren't already used to that.)

FINDING GOOD SWIM GEAR FOR KIDS WITH SPECIAL NEEDS

1. Look for U.S. Coast Guard Approved flotation devices
"Aquatic experts including the Red Cross have long agreed that a U.S. Coast Guard Approved personal flotation device (PFD) is the best option for keeping a child safe in, on and around the water. However, this is only half of the story. In reality, the key to safety for any child—abled or differently abled—wearing any type of flotation device is the supervision provided by the parent or caregiver when the child is in the water. Some facilities strictly enforce 'no use' of any flotation devices; the reasoning is that it gives the parents and possibly the child a false sense of security. As an aquatic supervisor of 30 years, I can tell you that this has some truth. We often see parents turning their attention away from children in a flotation device to visit or attend to another child. The guards have often had to go into the water to bring the child back to a vertical position, face out. That said, if there's a pool that won't allow a child to have the water assistance he or she needs, parents may need to fight to have it allowed."

2. Get the right fit

"A flotation device needs to provide support and safety, stabilize, facilitate movement, reduce fear and give the caregiver an additional 'hand' in supervising the child. The device should fit the needs of the child based on body type, strength, range of motion and style of movement/swimming. Too much flotation can impair mobility and reduce independence. That's why the choice of a device is as individual as the child with disability. His or her unique needs should be considered."

3. Get expert help
"Work with an adapted aquatic instructor to find the safest, most comfortable personal flotation device that will allow your child to have the most fun in the water! Google 'aquatics therapy' or 'aquatics rehabilitation' or 'adaptive aquatics' to find a local one. Many OTs and PTs have experience in this area, so ask the ones at your child's school if they can assist. Rehabilitation hospitals with pools may also have a person who can help."

[Note from me: You can also call your local YMCA and see if there are any swim instructors who have experience or are equipped to work with kids who have special needs.]

FLOTATION DEVICES FOR KIDS WITH SPECIAL NEEDS

U.S. Coast Guard Approved Flotation Devices

Stearns Puddle Jumper Deluxe (for kids 30 to 50 pounds): "It has been a totally different pool experience since we bought one this summer," says Julie. "Our little man is able to move around the pool independently... with us nearby, of course. He cannot stand independently out of water, so it has been fun to watch him stand and walk with one." 

Ho Sports Life Vest (for kids 50 to 90 pounds): "I lucked out and got mine at Costco for a deal," says my friend Peggy, mom to an 11-year-old with Down syndrome. "It was a game-changer. He has complete freedom and can actually 'swim' with it. He can't go under—it completely pops up with him laughing and saying 'More!'"

And one expert-recommended device made in Canada

Life Jacket-Adapted (Lj-A) (comes in a variety of sizes, for 18 pounds and up): "This works perfectly for my Anna because she has no head control," says her mom, Paige. "It keeps her head above water, is very supportive with straps around both legs, waist and chest yet gives her some freedom even though I'm holding onto her by the loop in the back. If we didn't have the life jacket she would have to be held in the water, which isn't really age-appropriate for a 10-year-old nor very freeing, which is what being in the pool is all about for her."

And one more great idea from a parent (though it might not fly in some public pools)

Neonoodle: "I've had a hard time finding CGA-approved pool tools that provide the right support for Zoe," says her mom, Suzanne, "so I was thrilled to find something affordable that worked and was easy to get. She can't swim or float independently, but she can hold onto this noodle with adults hands on safety assistance. Because it's neoprene and soft, it can be used for indoor therapy and support, too." Find 'em at Sam's Club, BJ's, Wal-mart and Academy stores.

SWIM AIDS FOR KIDS WITH SPECIAL NEEDS

Danmar Products Delta Swim System #8720 available in small (30 to 60 pounds); medium (60 to 150 pounds); and large (150 to 240 pounds): Best for kids who are able to maintain balance. Danmar has a wide array of swim aids for kids and adults with disabilities.

Sprint Aquatics Water Walking System available in sizes Xsmall to Large: "It is my favorite piece of equipment—I use it more than anything else, except noodles," says Lees.  This site also has a wide array of swim gear, including an Aquatic Therapy section.

Sprint Aquatics 3-Piece Belt Float with an adjustable 50" belt: "The sectional floats can be positioned anywhere along the belt and therefore can be positioned in a variety of ways on the child," says Lees.

Sprint Aquatics Buoyancy Wrap: "The Velcro means it can be positioned almost anywhere along the arms or lower legs for additional support without limiting movement," says Lees.