As a parent of a 10-year-old son with cerebral palsy, I’m always looking for ways to adapt activities to make it easier for him to participate in. My son loves to swim. It’s great exercise, therapy, and lots of fun, but it does require some assistance. I often hold him or help him out in the pool. Like any child, he wants independence, and the right swim float helps him achieve that.
I enlisted the help of friends, physical therapists, and the internet at large to compile a list of kid-friendly swim rings that are safe for people with disabilities. These are the best-rated pool floats on the market for people with special needs.
1. Kiefer Cushion Float Color
Credit: Kiefer / Reviewed
There is no need to inflate the Kiefer Cushion Float Collar.
The Kiefer Cushion Float Collar’s design is similar in concept to the WaterWayBabies float, shown below, but instead of a circular plastic ring, this collar is made of a flat, 2-inch thick oval of foam that doesn’t need to be inflated. The foam collar wraps around the user’s head and is secured in place with a clip.
$50 on Amazon
2. Nekdoodle Swimming Pool Float
Credit: Amazon / Reviewed
Nekdoodle pool floats are loved by swimmers and physical therapists alike because they require no inflation and provide great mobility.
The Nekdoodle flotation device is similar to the Kiefer Float Collar but is sold at a slightly lower price point. Made from EVA foam with a special vinyl coating, the product has been praised by users and physical therapists alike. In fact, the product is so popular that its innovative design was recognized with an Aquatic Therapy Dolphin Award for its contributions to the aquatic therapy industry.
The small circular pillow weighs about 12 ounces and can support a person weighing up to 300 pounds. All you have to do is place the float around your neck, and the rest of your body is free to move around in the water. It’s no wonder this product is listed as one of the better special needs focused pool floats.
$38 on Amazon
3. WaterWayBabies Neck Floating Device
Credit: Water Way Babies / Reviewed
WaterWayBabies makes the perfect inflatable neck float.
WaterWayBabies makes a very simple design: an inflatable ring that goes around your neck, keeping your head afloat and your body free to move in the water. It comes in three sizes, small, medium, and large, and costs $45 each. The brand’s website also touts the muscle-strengthening benefits of hydrotherapy for people with developmental disabilities.
Shop at WaterWayBabies
4. Danmar Sectional Raft Swim Aid
Credit: The Wright Stuff
The Danmar Sectional Raft Swim Aid is perfect for supporting your entire body above the water.
The Danmar Sectional Raft Swim Aid is a float made with eight foam panels, a head support, and two shoulder straps. While traditional floats keep you on the surface, the Swim Aid holds you underwater and provides better support for your entire body than most small, square floats. Available in small and large sizes, from 36 to 74 inches in length.
Although these floats don’t offer the same flexibility as an adjustable seat, they can definitely help keep your loved one safe below the surface.
$317 at Health Products For You
5. Life Jacket Adapted Co., Ltd.
Credit: Modified Life Jacket / Review
With a variety of models to suit different needs, the Life Jacket-Adapted is a great choice.
The Life Jacket-Adapted Inc. website has several different types of life jackets for people with disabilities. Each model is slightly different, and these variations allow users flexibility depending on their water tolerance. For example, one model allows users to float on their back, stomach, or flat out.
Another jacket model appears to be more rigid and only allows the user to sleep on their stomach or back, but not flat. The third model appears to be the most rigid and allows the user to maintain a horizontal position while wearing the float. Sizes and prices for these items range from $170 to $440, accommodating people from 18 to 250 pounds. Life Jacket-Adapted Inc. has a factory in Canada, but they also ship internationally.
Shop at Life Jacket-Adapted Inc.
6. Seraquaticus
Credit: Theraquatics
At Theraquatics, we have a variety of adaptive pool floats to suit your needs.
Theraquatics sells a variety of chlorine-resistant, latex-free fabric flotation devices. Buoyancy products range from simple head collars to waist rings to body slings that provide neck and back support. The site also sells pool games, flotation mats, kickboards, swim diapers, pool toys, and even water collars for dogs.
Shop at Theraquatics
7. Dolphin Buoyancy Float System
Credit: Rehab Mart / Reviewed
The Dolphin Buoyancy Float System is for experienced swimmers looking for support.
The Dolphin Buoyancy Float System for Aquatic Therapy is suitable for experienced swimmers who have good core control but need help distributing their weight and staying upright in the water. The foam padding prevents sinking and water absorption, and the product comes in two sizes, small and large, and costs around $200.
$236 at Rehabmart
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Prices were accurate at the time of publishing this article but may change over time.
Prices were accurate at the time of publishing this article but may change over time.
Let Reviewed’s product experts help you with all your shopping needs. Follow Reviewed on Facebook.
twitterInstagram, TikTok, and Flipboard for the latest deals, product reviews, and more.