FLOATSUIT AND SHORT JOHN

The ShortJohn is essentially the same as the FloatSuit but with legs to just above the knees, so that when these instructions say "FloatSuit" they also refer to the ShortJohn. Start with one float in each pocket of the Water Buddies FLOATSUIT (you are supplied with two floats for each pocket).

Get in the water with your child and holding him/her securely, assess their level in the water: the wearer should float with the water level just covering the shoulders.

• If there is not enough support then start adding additional floats into the pockets evenly (front and back, starting from the middle), until he/she floats with the water at shoulder level.
• If the wearer is too high in the water &/or is tipping forward or backwards then gradually reduce the level of buoyancy by removing one float at the time from the pockets, evenly front and back sequentially until he/she floats with the water at shoulder level.

Now the CORRECT amount of buoyancy has been attained and you should NOT add more!

Learning to swim should be FUN and STRESS FREE! It is very IMPORTANT to stay with your child, holding his or her hands, to allow him/her to gain confidence and to learn to control the buoyancy of the FLOATSUIT by finding their own sense of balance. The wearer should be in control of the buoyancy, not the other way round !!

Whilst holding his/her hands, encourage your child to kick their legs and to let go of your hands, one at a time. When your child is ready, he/she will discover that it is quite safe to leave your side and to move freely around the pool.

Once your child is swimming confidently, begin to remove one or two floats (evenly front & back, so as to maintain balance), allowing him/her to become used to the reduced level of buoyancy BEFORE removing any more.

PLEASE REMEMBER THAT THE FLOATSUIT IS NOT A LIFEJACKET. CHILDREN MUST BE SUPERVISED AT ALL TIMES, WHILST IN OR NEAR WATER, BY A RESPONSIBLE ADULT SWIMMER.

When you remove the LAST float and your child swims unaided for the first time - CONGRATULATIONS !! - you will both feel the satisfaction of having achieved the essential, lifesaving and fun skill of swimming!

Now professional swimming lessons should be considered to develop strength and technique.

SOME FURTHER ADVICE TO HELP YOU GET MOST FROM THE FLOATSUIT.

• When progressing from inflatable seats or arm bands it is important to allow the child time to adjust to the new sense of BALANCE of the FLOATSUIT.
• Some children take longer than others to become confident in water. It is well worth persisting with a NERVOUS child, as the ultimate freedom allowed by the FLOATSUIT will give your child much enjoyment.
• It is ESSENTIAL that not too many floats are used. The child must be in CONTROL of the buoyancy and NOT the other way round.
• Remember that your child cannot remain STATIC in the water. Movement of arms and legs is necessary. This way the wearer learns that they must take responsibility for themselves in the water, which is an essential point of safety for the learner swimmer.

As a SAFETY PRECAUTION, having reduced the number of floats as swimming skills develop, re-insert the correct number of floats for your child when:

• your child is PLAYING by the water.
• he/she is becoming TIRED at the end of a swimming session.
• teaching a NEW STROKE
• returning to swimming after a break.

PLEASE NOTE:

• AGE/SIZE RECOMMENDATIONS are APPROXIMATE ONLY.
• For the best results, try on the Water Buddies FloatSuit, without the floats inserted, before purchase. A snug fit, like a tight Tee-shirt, is important.
• On average, 14 to 16 months is the age when a child is mentally and physically developed enough to be independent in a Water Buddies FloatSuit but learning to be independent can start well before 12 months.
• After use, rinse well in clean water and dry away from direct heat in the shade.
• Will not protect against drowning. This is not a life saving product.

European Standard, EN 13138-1: 2003

Splash About have an EXCELLENT record for HIGH QUALITY products and will replace any genuinely faulty article, returned within 1 month of purchase, with proof of purchase.