Life Jackets

[emschwar]

We just got a gym membership that includes indoor and outdoor (in the summer) pool usage. I'm excited to take the kids swimming, but now that I have to watch 2, Noah's not going into the pool without a life jacket. Can anyone recommend a good brand? Our pool requires that all flotation devices be USCG approved. The lower the price, the better, and I want a vest style one (as opposed to those orange over the head ones we used to wear at camp when we went canoeing).

Thanks!

[DisneyGirl]

I don't know the brand name, but I do know that you can buy life jackets/vests at walmart and target that are uscg approved and they run between 20 and 22 bucks. Thats where we bough are kids life jackets for our boat and for pool use.

[firefly]

I second the target/walmart recomendations, I know that 'our' Target has just started the swim aisle.

[emschwar]

I'll have to check there. I never thought of checking there this time of year, since it's not really swim season :)

[twainny]

quick post... my baby is crying

if your son is comfortable in the water, you may want arm floaties. I think I read somewhere (here maybe?) about the life vests making it HARDER to swim, plus not all of them make the kid float on their back.

gotta run

[GlamaGal]

I bought this one end of last summer at Target (different print).http://www.speedousa.com/images/speedo/products/processed/7570224_066.jpg

Not sure if it's USCG. I love it. DD was able to get anywhere in the pool she wanted and her head didn't dunk under like some of those vests do. She is learning how to swim & this vest provided her with that add flotation she still needs.

[emschwar]

if your son is comfortable in the water, you may want arm floaties. I think I read somewhere (here maybe?) about the life vests making it HARDER to swim, plus not all of them make the kid float on their back.

Our pool requires that all flotation devices be USCG approved. They won't let floaties in the pool. Plus, at this point, I'm less concerned with him learning to swim, and more concerned about making sure nothing happens to him if I've got my attention on Daniel.

I checked Target on monday and they didn't have any life jackets - wrong time of year, I guess.

[charmcitygirl]

either of these (http://www.westmarine.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/SiteSearchView?dispName=Safety&jspStoreDir=wm51&catalogId=10001&Ne=316&Ntt=Recreational%20Life%20Jackets&N=377+710+1224+4294967155&langId=-1&page=CategoryDisplayLevel1&omniTag=Size%3aChild-Youth&PopularCat=No&storeId=10001) would be great. i have a west marine brand pfd for my kids (the exact one are not on the site though). my step-father used to rate these for the coast guard and it is the one he recommends.

ETA: make sure you get the proper size for height/weight to maximize effectiveness and comfort.

[kelseyledare]

I have seen a good selection with a variety of styles and prints at both Target and Wal-Mart. We got DD's at Wal-Mart, and it was Coast Guard Approved. They both appear to carry lifejackets as seasonal items, though. I bet they'll show up around March or April, if you can wait that long. If not, I think Dick's Sporting Goods has them year-round. The prices are higher there, though.