But according to a recent report in Pediatric Exercise Science, the results are conflicting. About as many studies say aids are worthwhile as claim they are worthless. However, there is a middle ground. Mr. Bill James, who is the Director of Lake Wauberg at the University of Florida, and has been an American Red Cross Water Safety Instructor Trainer for 25 years, believes swimming aids helps learning, once the child has made a satisfactory adjustment to the water, and providing the devices are matched with the youngster's needs and the skill to be learned. Kickboards can help with kicking and breathing skills.
Flippers can improve the quality and power of crawl kicking.
And arm floats can increase stability and confidence. Nevertheless, James stresses that time must be set aside during each swimming lesson to practice without the aids. And they should be gradually withdrawn as the child's confidence and competence in the water grows.