Swimmers (and, in the case of younger swimmers, their parents) will be familiar with the wide range of pool equipment, from floats and noodles to sinkers and bricks.
While some items may be primarily identified with fun (for example, sinkers) or training (for example, noodles), most can be incorporated into play as well as be very useful for developing swimming skills, from non-swimmers right through to competitive training.
Most are easily recognisable and available for use and/or purchase at most pools, but some may be unfamiliar and available primarily at niche outlets. The following page is a summary of the most common items.
Floaters There are numerous items available that can be used as floaters, including the solid plastic flippers to neoprene and foam-filled animals. Flippers have a specific use in building the swimmer’s confidence by encouraging them to blow in the water, thereby flipping the toy over. They and other floaters are also very useful in adding […]
Noodles are a more recent innovation and compliment the traditional float. The noodle, the long ‘spaghetti’ float, is arguably more versatile than the traditional float and has the advantage that it can be used under the swimmer and without the need for the swimmer to hold it, so offering buoyancy while the swimmer uses both […]
The ubiquitous rectangular float has been around unchanged for at least half a century and will probably be around well beyond the next. It is a terrific buoyancy aid, typically held in both hands while the swimmer practices leg movement. Used this way, not only is it helping the swimmer to stay buoyant but it is […]