At Hudson Valley Swim - Seminole, our mission is to create confident, capable swimmers from the very start. That’s why we want to talk about something we see all too often — young children depending on puddle jumpers, arm floaties, and other flotation aids that actually work against the skills they're trying to build.

Swimming, when broken down to its core, is a horizontal skill — bodies moving smoothly across the water. Flotation devices that keep kids upright can unintentionally teach the wrong habits. They position children vertically, which unfortunately mirrors the natural posture of a person struggling in the water. Instead of learning to glide across the pool, kids in puddle jumpers may learn that staying upright is "normal," even without a life jacket.

Another major concern? These devices create a false sense of security. Children get used to the idea that very little effort is needed to stay afloat, when real swimming requires strength, body awareness, and practice. In a real emergency, a child who has only experienced the support of floaties may panic — instinctively trying to stay vertical instead of rolling onto their back or kicking horizontally to safety.

While puddle jumpers are U.S. Coast Guard approved as a Type III personal flotation device, it’s important to remember that approval doesn’t mean they're a substitute for swimming ability. They are designed for specific situations (like boating for conscious children) — not for swim lessons, not for rough water, and certainly not as a primary drowning prevention tool.

Here’s what we see at Hudson Valley Swim - Seminole:

Devices like puddle jumpers encourage children to remain vertical in the water, which is not the foundation of true swimming.

Their bulky design limits full range of arm movement, preventing children from developing a strong, balanced stroke.

They do not help children learn survival skills like floating on their backs or finding the edge of the pool.

If you’re looking for ways to support your child’s swim journey, we recommend supervised practice with tools that promote a horizontal body position — such as using a swim noodle under the arms or around the chest to encourage tummy-down floating and kicking.

Most importantly, there is no substitute for constant adult supervision around water. Physical barriers like fencing, pool alarms, and swim lessons are essential layers of protection, but nothing replaces the presence of a vigilant, capable adult nearby.

And remember — it’s never too late to sharpen your own water skills. We proudly offer adult swim lessons here at Hudson Valley Swim - Seminole because swimming is a lifelong skill for every member of the family.

Let's work together to build safe, skilled, and confident swimmers — without relying on shortcuts that might put them at risk.