This post brought to you by Stearns Puddle Jumpers®. The content and opinions expressed below are that of Mom Always Finds Out.
One of the things my family loves the most about summer is spending more time by the water. Whether we are at the pool, the beach, or the lake, I am still very anxious about my kids being around open water. All four of them are still learning how to swim. My youngest is 3 years old, and I have the most peace of mind letting play near the water when he wears a life jacket.
I made a personal decision to set a good example for my kids by wearing a PFD when we go boating. A PFD is not required for adults, but it is a good idea. Anytime my son is on the boat or around the lake, he wears a life jacket.
My kids don’t mind wearing a Stearns Puddle Jumper Life Jacket. The unique design lets kids have the freedom of movement they need to move around, run and play. One of my son’s favorite past-times is to pick up and throw rocks into the water. He can easily do that while wearing his Puddle Jumper.
I first learned about Stearns Puddle Jumper Life Jackets for Kids last summer. My 4-year-old niece was wearing one at the pool. I loved that her life jacket allowed her to swim and play, while providing enough buoyancy for her to stay afloat in the water. We let my 2-year-old and 4-year-old sons try on her Puddle Jumper, and were sold. We got Puddle Jumper life jackets for them to use at the pool and at the lake.
My son loves the bright colors and cute pictures on the Puddle Jumpers. I let him pick his favorite to wear this summer. Bright colors also serve an important safety purpose – it makes the wearer easier to see!
Puddle Jumper Life Jackets fit kids from 30-50 pounds. They are also made from a softer fabric than traditional life jackets, so it is gentle and more comfortable to wear next to the skin.
A Puddle Jumper is easy to put on. Kids simply put their arms in the arm holes and then an adult can snap the adjustable buckle closed. The buckle is on the back, so there are no buckles or straps to deal with on the front.
I like that my son can wear the Puddle Jumper for swimming at the pool and boating on the lake. I want the best safety protection for my child, so he wears a Puddle Jumper Life Jacket.
Learn more and buy Puddle Jumpers at StearnsFlotation.com
WATER SAFETY TIPS FOR KIDS WHEN BOATING
1. Explain basic boat safety rules so children can understand and follow them. Suggested rules include: No running on the boat and Keep your hands and feet inside the boat at all times.
2. Children under 13 must wear a Personal Flotation Device (PFD) at ALL times. My kids wear them ON the boat and when they are around open water.
3. Nothing takes the place of Adult Supervision. Children should always be supervised by an adult when they are boating and/or around open water.
4. Teach your child how to float with a PFD. Skills to teach your child: 1) Be calm in the water. 2) How to Float on his/her back. 3) How to turn to a “face-up” position from a “face-down” position. *One thing to note about using the Puddle Jumper Life Jacket is that your child will need to know (or learn) how to tilt their head back to avoid going face down in the water.
Does your family go to the lake, the beach or the pool during the summer? What are some of your family’s water safety rules? Could a Stearns Puddle Jumper Life Jacket be a good PFD choice for your child?
Nicole Dziedzic says
We are always at the lake, beaches, and even swimming in our own pool at home in the summer, we always practice safety when around or in the water. It is very important to me as a mom that my kids are protected and safe.
Emily Endrizzi says
Our family goes to the lake, beach and the pool during the summer. We don’t let the kids swim unless there is an adult there to supervise, but they are old enough and good enough swimmers that they don’t need a Stearns Puddle Jumper Life Jacket.
Laura J says
Oh these look so neat! Carter last year used a regular life vest, but I Think this year he would be great with one of these! We swim alot in the summer…I will have to check these out.
Nicole says
Hi Laura- Yes, these are definitely worth checking out – especially since Carter is a year older and probably wants even more mobility in his life jacket.
It was too cute last year by the end of the summer, just about every little kid in the shallow end of the community pool was wearing a Puddle Jumper. Word spread amongst us moms and we were all buying them for our kids. LOL! Thanks for stopping by and for your comments. –Nicole