Drowning is the leading cause of unintentional death for children ages 1 - 4 according to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). There are many factors that contribute, but lack of close supervision and failure to wear life jackets are two that stand out. What does that tell us as parents? For starters, we should always be within arm's reach of our children when they are in and near water, and second, we should invest in a quality life jacket. Puddle Jumper Life Jackets from Stearns are the perfect solution to give your children that independence they crave as they learn to swim, but also to give you peace of mind that they will be safe while playing in the water.
From infants to adults, Stearns makes life jackets for all water occasions. Their Puddle Jumper line is perfect for your toddler or preschooler who is still learning to swim, and perfect for them to wear when playing in the pool or heading out on a boat.
When I first learned about Puddle Jumper, the words soft and comfortable were used quite frequently. Soft and comfortable are not words generally associated with life jackets, right? I actually remember when my boys were younger how much they hated to wear life jackets. They were big, bulky and uncomfortable. They hated it. So, here I am telling it to you now. Puddle Jumper life jackets are soft. And they are comfortable. I witnessed several young children jumping and splashing at a pool (with moms and dads nearby watching) and their only complaint was when it started to rain and they had to stop swimming for a few minutes!
(photo credit: Luke Sydow, Coleman)
I also need to add, because let's face it, cuteness is pretty important, Puddle Jumpers have kid friendly graphics your little ones will actually be excited to put on and then not want to take off. My 8 year old was so comfortable in his Puddle Jumper Youth Hydroprene Vest I had to remind him that he could take it off when he got out of the water!
(photo credit: Luke Sydow, Coleman)
What about the technical stuff? All Puddle Jumper Life Vests are US Coast Guard (USCG) approved Type III/V PFD (personal flotation device) and are made of high quality, durable material. While your kids are playing in the water, always under your watchful eye, if something unexpected happens you know your child will be ok. Makes you feel good, right?
But, and we have to say it again, please remember that flotation devices are no substitute for close, active supervision anytime your child is in or near the water!
(photo credit: Luke Sydow, Coleman)
To learn more or find a retailer near you, visit http://www.stearnsflotation.com/PuddleJumpers.aspx
