Are buoys effective against drowning?

This article discusses the subject of buoys and is part of a series of articles on: Do flotation devices (like PFD) protect against drowning?

Introduction

When the weather is nice, people like to go swimming to cool off, and that goes for children too - especially when it's hot! But children are fragile, even more so when they can't yet swim, so we need to equip them to protect them from drowning. Buoys are sometimes used for this purpose. But are they really effective in preventing drowning?

In short: the answer is no. Buoys can help children discover water and the joys of bathing, but they do not protect them from drowning.

How do the buoys work?

Buoys are floating objects designed to help a person stay afloat. They work on the principle of flotation: an object floats if its density is less than that of water. Buoys are generally made of lightweight and waterproof materials such as plastic or foam.

However, it is important to note that they are not designed to prevent drowning. They only improve buoyancy, are to be used with an adult within arm's reach and do not guarantee that the child will not roll over or slip out of the buoy.

These are buoyancy aids in which the child is placed, governed by European standard NF EN 13138-3. They are not life-saving equipment such as lifejackets, which are governed by standard EN ISO 12402 (-2 to -4).

The different types of buoys and essential components

There are different types of buoy, from simple round buoys to baby seat buoys. Each type of buoy has its advantages and disadvantages, and their effectiveness depends on the age and skills of the person using them.

Classic buoys

Classic buoys, in the shape of a circle and sometimes incorporating decorative elements such as animal heads, are the most common. They can be fun to play with in the water, but they are not ideal for children's safety. They can easily tip over, leaving the child's head underwater. What's more, they don't allow enough freedom of movement for learning to swim.

Baby seat buoys

Unlike traditional buoys, baby seat buoys incorporate a seat or a strap under the child's buttocks, so that the child is seated and cannot slip out of the buoy even if he or she raises his or her arms. This type of device is designed for babies or very young children (generally weighing less than 15 kilograms) to discover the joy of floating, with an adult within arm's reach. However, this type of buoy does not in itself protect against drowning: the child's movements are severely restricted and they cannot get out of a risky situation on their own, particularly if the seat buoy turns over.

Inflatable or solid buoys

• Inflatable buoys: lighter, cheaper and easy to transport, they are mainly for young children. However, they are also more fragile and prone to leaks. This is the type of buoy most commonly used by private individuals.
• Solid buoys: made from tough materials such as hard plastic or foam, these buoys are more durable and offer greater buoyancy. They are aimed at a more specialised audience such as workers at sea, for example by being used as back-up safety equipment in the event of a fall into the water from the deck of a boat.

Essential components

In particular for inflatable buoys for children:

• CE marking: buoys must bear the CE marking, which certifies that they comply with European safety standards. The equivalent exists in the United Kingdom with the UKCA marking.
• NF EN 13138-3 standard: this Afnor standard specifies the safety requirements and test methods applicable to buoyancy aids in which children are placed.
• Age and weight: buoys must indicate the minimum and maximum age and weight of the child for whom they are designed.
• Safety warnings: buoys must carry clear and legible safety warnings, such as ‘Does not protect against drowning’ and ‘Use under adult supervision’.

Whatever type of buoy you choose, it's important to check that it complies with current safety standards and is suitable for your child's height and weight. In the case of inflatable buoys, it's also important to check that they are correctly inflated (neither too much nor too little) and that they are not leaking.

Under which conditions can inflatable buoys for children be used?

These buoys are designed for children who are just starting to familiarise themselves with the water and need support to float. They can help give a sense of security in the water.

They are designed for use in calm, shallow waters, such as swimming pools, lakes or seas with few waves. They are not suitable for rough waters or strong currents.

However, it is important to note that it is not recommended to use buoys for learning to swim. Buoys can give children a false sense of security and prevent them from developing the skills they need to swim properly. The extra buoyancy provided by a buoy does not allow the children to be in real-life conditions and therefore to fully acquire the technique and strength needed to stay afloat on their own. By making it more difficult for them to put their head under the water, they can be counter-productive: the children don't acquire the necessary ease to return to the surface calmly, and on the contrary can panic as soon as they lose their footing or slip off the buoy. Not to mention the fact that movements are very constrained in a buoy, preventing independent swimming.

Buoys are good for very young children who are not yet strong enough to stay afloat on their own, to help them discover the aquatic environment and start to gain confidence. But they are not recommended for learning to swim and are no guarantee against drowning. They are no substitute for permanent and constant adult supervision. It is essential never to leave a child unsupervised near water, even if using a buoy.

Safety tips

Whatever buoyancy aid you choose, it is essential to observe the following safety instructions:

• Never leave children unsupervised near water, even if they are wearing a buoy or other flotation device. Adults must be constantly vigilant.
• Teach your child to swim from an early age. Most programmes start at the age of 4, but it is also possible to learn lifesaving reflexes even earlier.
• Choose supervised swimming areas.
• Comply with safety instructions and swimming bans.