vests for the kids??

[madiandcindy]

My kids need vests for the water, must we drag them everywhere? Have any of you rented them anywhere? I have a 6 and a 4 year old. I hate the idea of having to carry these on board and on and off in each port. Any advice parents? TIA

[CeleBrat]

I've never seen them available for rent/borrow on a ship. Perhaps some of the beaches will have them while at port.

 

Since the vests are so big and bulky, would you be willing to try floaties? When they are deflated, they take up NO space what-so-ever. Both our kids used floaties before they could swim, and we were never once concerned about their safety.

 

CeleBrat

[crusinmama06]

I would switch to floaties too. My youngest has a vest, but when we travel, we take the floaties.

 

I've never seen vest rentals

[mcfam5]

They are so compact ~ you just throw them in your beach bag and off you go. Test them out in waters the kids are familiar with and I am sure they will easily make the transition. You'll be glad you did!

[Kerry's Girls]

I too have never seen them available anywhere - and I'd hate to spend the beginning of each day seeking them out. I bring the floaties - I just connect them to the strap of my bag. They're so light, I don't find it a hassle. I also bring blow up floaties and toys, but I like to have the vests for extra security.

 

Best,

Mia

[madiandcindy]

If only I werent such a paranoid! I need the vests for peace of mind, my 4 year old thinks he is superman. I dont think I would have any peace or be able to take my eyes off them even for a second without the vests. I guess I am stuck carrying them. Well DH and I are stuck. Thanks everyone!

[Kerry's Girls]

I'm sorry - in my post, I meant to say that I bring the vests - I just attach them to the strap of my bag.

 

Best,

Mia

[crusinmama06]

If only I werent such a paranoid! I need the vests for peace of mind, my 4 year old thinks he is superman. I dont think I would have any peace or be able to take my eyes off them even for a second without the vests. I guess I am stuck carrying them. Well DH and I are stuck. Thanks everyone!

 

Vest or not...I still can't take my eyes off of my kids for a second while they are in the water. My 4 year old has been known to unzip her vest and take it off cause she wants to "dive underwater" ;)

[rnff2]

I was also thinking about bringing along the swim vest, never thought about the floaties. We have a pool and 3yr old DS is not allowed on the pool deck without his vest. So I didn't want to "break" the rules just beacuse we were on vacation. I'll have to bend the rules at home and see how he does this summer with the floaties. And it's not like one of us won't always be in the water with him...

 

That's why I love this board...:)

[Turtle Girls]

Floaties are the easiest but you might consider snorkle vests if you want the vest feel. My 2 DD (ages 6/8) love to snorkle and I was tired of renting them on the beach(some places offer rentals) so I bought them for around $15 each. They fully deflate and fit nicely in 1 snorkle bag with their gear. I also shove in there a dollar store inflatable ring for my 4 year old for the beach so that she can float around(supervised) in the ocean.

[jimswims]

If you decide to switch to the floaties have them try them out in a pool or at the ocean a few times before the vacation.

 

Sometimes kids are psychologically dependent on their "special" floatation device and become very anxious if they do not have it or they are scared to try a new type. This statement comes from about 20 years of teaching swimming at all levels. This could make the vacation pool or beach experience miserable for all involved and the practice before you leave will help them adjust.

 

Have fun.