Our Summer Water Safety Plans

Our friend asked me about my water safety plans for the summer and thought it was a good topic to share with you.  How do you effectively navigate playing with the kiddos near the edge of the lake and in the yard without having to strap them into a leash-type device that was most definately not designed by a parent?

Even though we've been taking swim lessons with Leah, you can never be too careful in and around the water.  And these lessons are only working on getting her more comfortable with the water - we're not quite to the point where she can swim on her own...

Here are my choices for this summer's gear, I'll try not to be too bias (12-24mos):

Speedo mary jane water shoes from Target, size S (4-5)



Speedo Fabric Baby Float from Target

Remember this cutie from last year?

 

Speedo Swim Diaper

Common misconception - you don't need a disposable diaper under one of these, as long as it's an actual swim diaper, meant for swimming!  It should have a plastic lining, somtimes between two pieces of fabric, that has tight elastic on their waist and legs to hold in any mess that could happen. 

We've swam in these for the last several lessons and hadn't had any messes until the last time...don't worry though - very easy clean up.  A couple swishes in the toilet and we're good!

*word to the wise though, don't put the diaper on until you get to the pool...

Speedo Swim Vest (33+ lbs)

We'll use one of these vests once Leah gets to this size, until then, we have an infant life vest that we bought at (*it kills me to say this...) Walmart last year while in Florida. 

She hated it...but it was mandatory for the boat.  Notice the cutie swim diaper! 
This was over a disposable, just in case...

Last, but not least, the Foam Board!

Leah LOVED this 'magic carpet' as they call it at Foss, and we definately need to get one of these for the lake.  Not sure yet where to find it, but I will find it.

So those are our go-to items for this summer at the lake.  Of course, there's the sunscreen, bug spray, sun hats and cute swim suits (a girl can never have too many...). 

Anything I'm missing??