Pool Toys
From LoveToKnow Kids
Warmer days are on the horizon, and it's time to break out the sun block, sun glasses, floppy hats, and pool toys. Today's toys make water play more fun than ever, but safety rules must be followed.
Water Safety
According to the United States Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), 250 children under the age of 5 die each year in swimming pools. While that number is alarming, it doesn't mean our children cannot participate in water play. It simply means we must be vigilant about water safety rules, including:
- Teach children to swim.
- Remove floats, rafts, and water toys when not in use.
- Do not allow children to run near the pool.
- Do not allow rough play in or around the water.
- Never leave an infant, toddler, or young child unsupervised in or around the water.
- Do not become complacent just because a child is wearing a lifejacket or floatie. Although these items offer some measure of comfort, they are no substitute for adult supervision.
- Never allow anyone to swim alone; use the buddy system.
- Do not allow diving in shallow water.
- Make sure all caregivers know basic first aid procedures, including CPR.
For more information about pool and water safety, including lesson plans and fun activities, visit the U.S. Army's Water Safety Program.
Infant & Toddler Pool Toys
For many infants and toddlers, simply being in the water is a delightful experience. Most enjoy the gentle lapping sensations and the feel of cool water. Brightly colored floatation devices in character, animal, transportation, and ocean themes are popular with this age group. Favorites include:
- Whale Baby Boat (ages 6 months and up)
- Baby & Me Float (ages 6 to 24 months)
- Deluxe Baby Boat (ages 6 to 24 months)
- Ultimate Baby Boat Pool Float (ages 9 months to 3 years)
- Sunshade Baby Boat
- Race Car Boat
- Bulldozer Pool Raft (ages 2 to 5)
For added protection against the sun's rays, consider purchasing water toys and floatation devices with canopies, tents, or covers.
Pool Toys for Kids
Elementary-aged kids enjoy the speed and exhilaration of motorized toys. They also enjoy active play, sports, and group activities. Some popular pool toys are:
- Speed Boat (ages 5 to 10)
- Wobbly Beach Ball
- The Cube Floating Habitat
- Inflatable Water Wheel
- Motorized Wave Rider (ages 5 to 10)
- Floating Deck Hockey Game (ages 6 and up)
- Rock-it Water Totter (ages 6 and up)
Special care must be exercised when using these motorized toys. Even though the speed is low, children can still fall off. In addition, long hair must be kept away from the motors. Never allow motorized toys to be used while others are swimming.
Tween & Teen Toys
Tweens and teens can still enjoy many of the kids' toy selections. Be sure to check the weight limits of water toys and floatation devices before purchasing. In addition, many teens enjoy water sports and high-speed devices. Some water toy favorites for teens and tweens include:
- Score 'n Store Poolside Basketball (all ages)
- Poolside Volleyball (all ages)
- Motorized Bumper Boar (up to 100 lbs.)
- Motorized Wave Cruiser (ages 6 to 12)
- Aqua Radio (ages 6 to 14)
Conclusion
Water toys are available for kids of all ages, from infants to teens. With proper water safety instruction and carefully selected pool toys, summer can be a fun and exciting water adventure.
Comments
I just read an article about motorized water toys. In safety tests, the motors were able to catch and pull long hair. NEVER, ever allow children to swim in the vicinity of a motorized toy.
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