Inflatable armbands: Difference between revisions
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[[Image:Schwimmflügel 063.jpg|thumb|Child swimming with inflatable armbands]] |
[[Image:Schwimmflügel 063.jpg|thumb|Child swimming with inflatable armbands]] |
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'''Inflatable armbands''', usually referred to as '''armbands''', '''water wings''', '''swimmies''' or '''floaties''', are |
'''Inflatable armbands''', usually referred to as '''armbands''', '''water wings''', '''swimmies''' or '''floaties''', are swim aids designed to help a wearer float in [[water]] and learn to [[human swimming|swim]].<ref name=swimteach>{{cite web|title=Water Wings: One of the safest buoyancy aids for children learning to swim|url=http://www.swim-teach.com/water-wings.html|work=Swim Teach|accessdate=4 September 2012}}</ref> |
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Inflatable armbands are typically [[cylinder (geometry)|cylindrical]], inflatable [[plastic]] bands that are inflated and worn on the upper arms. When the wearer is in water, the [[air]] inside the armbands provides [[buoyancy]], helping the wearer float. Although often thought of as a swimming aid for children, armbands are also available in adult sizes. |
Inflatable armbands are typically [[cylinder (geometry)|cylindrical]], inflatable [[plastic]] bands that are inflated and worn on the upper arms. When the wearer is in water, the [[air]] inside the armbands provides [[buoyancy]], helping the wearer float. Although often thought of as a swimming aid for children, armbands are also available in adult sizes. |
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==Advantages== |
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Inflatable armbands are inexpensive, easy to find, and durable.<ref name=swimming-techniques>{{cite web|title=Swimming equipment and aids, all types of floats to learn with, all the info you need to get started|url=http://www.swimming-techniques-learn.com/swimming-equipment.html|work=swimming-techniques-learn.com|accessdate=4 September 2012}}</ref> They can help children to build confidence and learn to swim earlier.<ref name=swimteach/><ref name=swimming-techniques/> The amount of flotation provided can be decreased by deflating them partially.<ref name=swimteach/> During swimming lessons, children may do better in difficult lessons and be easier to supervise if they wear armbands.<ref name=swimming-techniques/> |
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| ⚫ | National safety standards such as BS EN 13138-3:2007 in the [[United Kingdom]] require inflatable armbands to conform to certain standards, like [[puncture resistance]] and the level of buoyancy retained after a period of time beyond the [[Oral inflation valve|inflation valve]] being opened and left open. This is an assessment of the efficiency of non-return valves designed to prevent the armbands deflating suddenly if an inflation valve |
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==Criticism== |
==Criticism== |
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Despite their popularity, swimming experts advise against using inflatable armbands |
Despite their popularity, swimming experts advise against using inflatable armbands. Although they can help a child to float, they can slip off and lead to drowning.<ref name=streamline>{{cite web|title=Home Safety Guide|url=http://www.streamlinerefinance.net/home-safety-guide.html|work=Streamline Refinance|publisher=StreamlineRefinance.net|accessdate=4 September 2012}}</ref> Inflatable armbands do not prevent drowning, nor are they a [[personal flotation device|life-saving device]]. Mistaking them for one can create a dangerous false sense of security.<ref name=swimming-techniques/> Additionally, inflatable armbands teach children to float vertically in the water, instead of floating in the correct horizontal position, which is used for swimming.<ref name=swimming-techniques/> Children who wear armbands can become dependent on them, as well.<ref name=swimming-techniques/><ref name=swimteach/> |
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| ⚫ | |||
| ⚫ | National safety standards such as BS EN 13138-3:2007 in the [[United Kingdom]] require inflatable armbands to conform to certain standards, like [[puncture resistance]] and the level of buoyancy retained after a period of time beyond the [[Oral inflation valve|inflation valve]] being opened and left open. This is an assessment of the efficiency of non-return valves designed to prevent the armbands from deflating suddenly if an inflation valve comes open. Standards also require prominent labelling near the inflation valves stating that inflatable armbands are not life preservers and should only be used under competent supervision. Supervisors should be in the water within an arm's reach of the person wearing inflatable armbands. |
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==History== |
==History== |
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There are a number of historical devices that had similar purposes as inflatable armbands. |
There are a number of historical devices that had similar purposes as inflatable armbands. |
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In 1907, |
In 1907, swimming became part of the school curriculum and caused parents to become more concerned with their children's safety in the water. In response to parent's worries, the [[Dean's Rag Book Company]], [[London]], introduced the Swimeesy Buoy, inflatable armbands with a colourful design that looked like the wings of a [[butterfly]]. A plain white version was also available. The product became so popular that it was available, almost unchanged, until the outbreak of [[World War II]]. |
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In October 1931, a design for water wings appeared in the magazine ''Modern Mechanix''. They were made of [[rubber]], consisted of two parts, were worn on the upper arms, and inflated through a valve. They were first demonstrated in public on the beaches of [[Los Angeles, California]], [[United States of America|USA]].<ref>{{cite web|title=Modern Mechanix Issue: Oct, 1931 Posted in: Origins, Toys and Games Posted: 05/30/2006 No Comments [Pin It] Water Wings (Oct, 1931)|url=http://blog.modernmechanix.com/water-wings/|work=Modern Mechanix|accessdate=4 September 2012}}</ref> |
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A similar design of inflatable armbands for swimmers was invented by [[Bernhard Markwitz]] in [[Hamburg]], [[Germany]]. In 1956, Markwitz's three-year-old daughter fell into a goldfish pond and nearly drowned. As a result, Markwitz invented and developed a swimming aid that would be safer for children than swimming rings, which at the time, were made of [[cork (material)|cork]]. A lottery win of 253,000 [[Deutsche Mark]]s gave him a suitable start capital. In 1964, Markwitz developed the armbands in their final form and marketed them under the name "BEMA". Their modern name in German, Schwimmflügel, literally translates as "swimming wings". |
A similar design of inflatable armbands for swimmers was invented by [[Bernhard Markwitz]] in [[Hamburg]], [[Germany]]. In 1956, Markwitz's three-year-old daughter fell into a goldfish pond and nearly drowned. As a result, Markwitz invented and developed a swimming aid that would be safer for children than swimming rings, which at the time, were made of [[cork (material)|cork]]. A lottery win of 253,000 [[Deutsche Mark]]s gave him a suitable start capital. In 1964, Markwitz developed the armbands in their final form and marketed them under the name "BEMA". Their modern name in German, Schwimmflügel, literally translates as "swimming wings". |
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Revision as of 23:14, 5 September 2012
 | This article needs additional citations for verification. (September 2012) |
Inflatable armbands, usually referred to as armbands, water wings, swimmies or floaties, are swim aids designed to help a wearer float in water and learn to swim.[1]
Inflatable armbands are typically cylindrical, inflatable plastic bands that are inflated and worn on the upper arms. When the wearer is in water, the air inside the armbands provides buoyancy, helping the wearer float. Although often thought of as a swimming aid for children, armbands are also available in adult sizes.
Advantages
Inflatable armbands are inexpensive, easy to find, and durable.[2] They can help children to build confidence and learn to swim earlier.[1][2] The amount of flotation provided can be decreased by deflating them partially.[1] During swimming lessons, children may do better in difficult lessons and be easier to supervise if they wear armbands.[2]
Criticism
Despite their popularity, swimming experts advise against using inflatable armbands. Although they can help a child to float, they can slip off and lead to drowning.[3] Inflatable armbands do not prevent drowning, nor are they a life-saving device. Mistaking them for one can create a dangerous false sense of security.[2] Additionally, inflatable armbands teach children to float vertically in the water, instead of floating in the correct horizontal position, which is used for swimming.[2] Children who wear armbands can become dependent on them, as well.[2][1]
Safety Standards
National safety standards such as BS EN 13138-3:2007 in the United Kingdom require inflatable armbands to conform to certain standards, like puncture resistance and the level of buoyancy retained after a period of time beyond the inflation valve being opened and left open. This is an assessment of the efficiency of non-return valves designed to prevent the armbands from deflating suddenly if an inflation valve comes open. Standards also require prominent labelling near the inflation valves stating that inflatable armbands are not life preservers and should only be used under competent supervision. Supervisors should be in the water within an arm's reach of the person wearing inflatable armbands.
History
There are a number of historical devices that had similar purposes as inflatable armbands.
In 1907, swimming became part of the school curriculum and caused parents to become more concerned with their children's safety in the water. In response to parent's worries, the Dean's Rag Book Company, London, introduced the Swimeesy Buoy, inflatable armbands with a colourful design that looked like the wings of a butterfly. A plain white version was also available. The product became so popular that it was available, almost unchanged, until the outbreak of World War II.
In October 1931, a design for water wings appeared in the magazine Modern Mechanix. They were made of rubber, consisted of two parts, were worn on the upper arms, and inflated through a valve. They were first demonstrated in public on the beaches of Los Angeles, California, USA.[4]
A similar design of inflatable armbands for swimmers was invented by Bernhard Markwitz in Hamburg, Germany. In 1956, Markwitz's three-year-old daughter fell into a goldfish pond and nearly drowned. As a result, Markwitz invented and developed a swimming aid that would be safer for children than swimming rings, which at the time, were made of cork. A lottery win of 253,000 Deutsche Marks gave him a suitable start capital. In 1964, Markwitz developed the armbands in their final form and marketed them under the name "BEMA". Their modern name in German, Schwimmflügel, literally translates as "swimming wings".
Notes
- ^ a b c d "Water Wings: One of the safest buoyancy aids for children learning to swim". Swim Teach. Retrieved 4 September 2012.
- ^ a b c d e f "Swimming equipment and aids, all types of floats to learn with, all the info you need to get started". swimming-techniques-learn.com. Retrieved 4 September 2012.
- ^ "Home Safety Guide". Streamline Refinance. StreamlineRefinance.net. Retrieved 4 September 2012.
- ^ "Modern Mechanix Issue: Oct, 1931 Posted in: Origins, Toys and Games Posted: 05/30/2006 No Comments [Pin It] Water Wings (Oct, 1931)". Modern Mechanix. Retrieved 4 September 2012.
External links
- British Standard 13138-3:2007, buoyant aids for swimming instruction. BS 7661:1993 specification for inflatable armbands worn as flotation aids is proposed for withdrawal given this more recent standard.