Amongst all family recreational sports, swimming is the foremost activity that can be enjoyed by everyone regardless of age and time of the year. The majority of accidental deaths for children under five are however attributed to drowning. http://www.thebabycorner.com/page/150/

Babies as young as 1-18 months can be safely taught how to swim and parents need to ensure that the baby swimming aid systems put in place at swimming classes are efficient. There are two such systems i.e. qualified instructors and swimming aids for young children of which armbands and float suits are the most important. http://www.boroughofsouthendswimming.co.uk/baby-swimming-and-swimming-aids/

Flotation devices for babies and slightly older children are effective in helping them learn the basics of staying afloat and swimming, and as these skills are developed with time children will be able to safely swim and play underwater on their own. http://www.thebabycorner.com/page/150/.

1. The diaper swim vest is a baby swimming aid that parents can initially use to train their babies on how to float on their backs as they take their daily bath. This device features a head support panel with a cut-out hole in which the baby's head must be strategically placed lest water enters his/her nose and mouth. The diaper vest swimming aid helps infants learn how to keep their breathing passages out and clear of water. http://www.thebabycorner.com/page/150/
2. The flotation swimsuit or float suit is designed to be worn by infants any time they are around swimming pools. Parents should teach their children how to wear and use the same aids for swimming. These aids enable maximum buoyancy thus giving children confidence as they learn various swimming techniques. http://www.thebabycorner.com/page/150/.
3. The back float is a swim aid teaching device for young children that doesn't impede arm movement during swimming. http://www.thebabycorner.com/page/150/.
4. Baby floats are inflatable equipment that babies can seat in and float safely. http://www.swimming-techniques-learn.com/swimming-equipment.html
5. Swim rings help babies achieve the ideal swimming position while in the water. http://www.funswimshop.co.uk/swim-trainer-baby-swim-ring-2152-p.asp.
6. Other swimming aids include water wings, swim discs and interlocking foam noodles, http://www.funswimshop.co.uk/swimming-aids-9-c.asp as well as trainer seats, swim fins, and accessories like the baby warmer. http://www.gb-sports.co.uk/childrens_swimming_aids.html

1. Swimming arm bands are suitable for 1-15 month old babies, and feature two inflatable and valve-locked chambers. They are used in pairs and can be made of heavy gauge vinyl, heavy duty Vylux or laminated PVC. http://www.funswimshop.co.uk/swimming-aids-9-c.asp
2. Trainer seats suitable for 3-12 months children feature pillow backs and air chambers with non-return safety valves. http://www.funswimshop.co.uk/swimming-aids-9-c.asp
3. Back floats are inflatable baby swimming aids that can be used starting at 24 months of age. They feature multi-layer construction, a strong adjustable nylon strap, and a safety clip for a safe fit. http://www.funswimshop.co.uk/swimming-aids-9-c.asp
4. Baby floats are ideally designed so that babies can seat in them, but not fall through like in the case of rubber rings. http://www.swimming-techniques-learn.com/swimming-equipment.html
5. Baby swim rings can feature multiple inflatable chambers. They have inflatable shoulder straps and a clip fastener for secure fitting. They can be made of robust PVC. http://www.funswimshop.co.uk/swim-trainer-baby-swim-ring-2152-p.asp