Have Fun and Feel Safe in the Water with some Flotation Devices

                     

One of the best ways to beat the heat of summer is to immerse yourself into some cool water.  Jumping into a pool, a lake or an ocean is the perfect activity to cool down and have some fun in the hot months of the year.  If you or your child has physical limitations this might seem out of the question, but with specially designed flotation devices of all types available from Rehabmart, now you, too, can enjoy the pleasures of hanging out in the water this summer!

The My Pool Pal Floation Swimsuit is an ideal choice for children.  Sizes range from extra small (20 pounds) to extra large (90 pounds) and are available in fun colors and patterns that kids love.  
                     

This popular one-piece flotation swimsuit also features Velcro side closures for easier dressing and undressing, too.  Patented and specially arranged UL-certified foam blocks are sewn securely into the mid-sections of the nylon/Lycra blend swimsuits to help the wearer to remain stable in the water.

Another great flotation device for special needs kids is the Youth Konfidence Jacket.  This soft, stylish and chlorine-resistant jacket is designed to fit users from ages 8 to 14, or up to 120 pounds.  It features 8 removable floats which help to provide flexible buoyancy and allows the wearer to develop a correct swimming technique.  
                          

This is not a lifejacket, but is intended to be used as a tool for those individuals who need help with learning how to stay afloat in the water.  This is a great jacket for any child learning to swim and to use with any aquatic therapy and exercise for safer support.

Create your own personal flotation system with the versatile Swim Rings from Danmar.  Sets come in small, medium or large to accommodate a weight range from 20 to 200 pounds, so anyone in the family can use these rings to stay afloat!  
              

   
Individual rings can be removed for less flotation, and adjusted for the comfort of the wearer.  Sets can also be easily snapped together for neck, chest or torso support, too. 

The Aquajogger Belt Support is another buoyant device that could be used in conjunction with the Swim Rings, or by itself.  
                           

This latex-free elastic belt supports the lower back during water exercise and activity with a comfortable, snug fit.  It features a quick-release buckle for safety, along with 12 specific water exercise ideas.

Water therapy is much more fun with the Stabilizer Bar.  This super lightweight bar helps the user to learn how to maintain balance and equilibrium during walking/gaiting exercises, and is also great for extending out in front for kicking drills.  
                         

Perfect for any adult or child with special needs, such as stroke recovery, arthritis or disorders in which balance and equilibrium are an issue.  Foam rings can be removed as proficiency levels change.  This bar can also be used along with the Aquatic Head Float or Dolphin Float systems.

The Aquatic Head Float is designed for individuals who have very limited mobility and supports the head without putting pressure on the spinal column.  
                      

When used along with the Stabilizer Bar, this helps keep the body from tipping sideways or backwards when legs are in a horizontal position.

The Dolphin Float System is designed for more physically involved individuals who do have good head and trunk control, but may need help in compensating for uneven weight distribution or lateral rotation.  
                     

Tendencies toward flipping over are minimized by placing the flotation side pads in various positions.  The front chest pads provide additional buoyancy and are also removable.  The optional crotch strap keeps the Dolphin from riding up while swimming.

And finally, for those who really can't swim at all, but who still want to experience the wonderful sensation of floating in the water, I recommend the fabulous Sectional Raft.  This specially crafted raft allows water to flow in and around the body, while keeping the body from rolling out.  
                

Shoulder straps simply snap over the arms for an easy fit and the head pad is reversible if lateral supports are needed for minimal head and neck control.  This sectional raft is available in two sizes to accommodate users from 36 inches tall to 74 inches tall.  For users who desire a greater range of motion in the lower body, the bottom row of the sectional pieces can be folded under the rest of the raft.

There really are no physical limitations that should keep anyone from enjoying the pleasures of cooling off in the water this summer.  Rehabmart has got everyone covered with their wide array of flotation devices...from children to adults, from the physically challenged to the physically able, all can find the devices they need to get themselves into the pool, lake or ocean this year.  Cooling off has never felt so good!

To see more floatation divices, float on over to the Pediatric Aquatic Therapy or Aquatic Therapy page.

Carol Koenigsknecht, Medical Consumer Writer
and
Hulet Smith, OT
Rehabmart Team Leader & CEO