Glossary
Water wings
Inflatable armbands for children. They are toys, not safety devices: they can deflate or slip off.
Water wings, also called floaties or arm bands, are inflatable rings that slide onto a child's upper arms. They are popular because they let young children splash around, but they are toys, not safety devices.
What the experts say:
- The AAP (opens in a new tab) says to avoid floaties, water wings or inflatable toys, because they can deflate and do not prevent drowning.
- The CDC (opens in a new tab) says not to rely on air-filled or foam toys, because they are not safety devices.
- The AAP's life jacket guidance (opens in a new tab) says blow-up water wings, toys, rafts and air mattresses should never be used as life jackets.
There is also a hidden risk: water wings can make a parent feel a child is safe enough to look away. If your child needs help floating, use a U.S. Coast Guard-approved life jacket that fits, and keep touch supervision either way. See water wings, floaties and swim vests and life jackets for babies and children.
What you can do today: swap the water wings in your pool bag for a properly fitted, approved life jacket.