The infant floatation test: a safe or dangerous anti-drowning practice?

Drowning is one of the main concerns for many families during the summer and, unfortunately, is quite common in our society. Constant parental supervision is necessary and cannot be replaced by other techniques, such as infant floatation tests.

There are studies that claim that starting classes between the ages of 1 and 4 reduces the drowning rate. However, "teaching swimming lessons to young children who haven't acquired sufficient skills doesn't prevent drownings or provide complete protection, so continuous supervision is necessary," emphasizes Dr. Mariana Annese, of the Pediatrics Department at Quirónsalud Barcelona Hospital.

In fact, the doctor points out that the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) does not recommend swimming lessons for children under one year of age, but does advise that parents and babies take swimming classes together at specialized centers, as it is an excellent way to familiarize the baby with the aquatic environment and begin preparing the baby for swimming.

There is an Infant Swimming Resource (ISR) methodology, known as the float test, which is a preventative aquatic self-rescue method for children. Through this technique, they learn to roll over and float on their backs, allowing them to rest and breathe.

A technique that carries risks

Regarding this practice, the doctor warns that it can be risky, especially if the baby is not physically or emotionally ready. At the same time, the specialist assures that "it can be potentially dangerous."

Therefore, it is important to always individualize the recommendation, obtain a prior evaluation from a pediatrician, and perform this technique with a certified instructor and under continuous supervision. This also means, of course, being alert to possible complications during the practice, such as water aspiration, and taking immediate action if necessary.

Flotation test This preventive technique allows the baby to learn to roll over and float on his back, but it carries risks.

“The decision about when a child should start these classes should be individualized, and it's very important for parents to consider the frequency of exposure to water, emotional maturity, physical limitations, etc. It's a highly controversial topic. Among the recommendations is the AEP (Spanish Association of Sports) that teaching children to swim from the age of 3 or 4 can be risky before this age,” emphasizes this expert from Hospital Quirónsalud Barcelona.

Steps to take to protect children from drowning

With all this, the doctor provides the following strategies for preventing drowning in children:

• Ensure continuous supervision and safe conditions. Supervising or monitoring any child near any aquatic environment (swimming pool, bathtub, beach, buckets of water, etc.) is an essential strategy for drowning prevention. Adequate supervision is defined as a distance from the child that is less than arm's length from the caregiver.

• Please note that the floatation test does not replace adult supervision.

• Completely fencing pools around their entire perimeter, completely isolating them from the garden and home; this is effective in reducing many child drownings in swimming pools.

• Swimming lessons and water survival skills can reduce drowning rates in children, but they are never a substitute for close adult supervision.

• Regarding the use of personal flotation devices, approved life jackets are the safest option, but they also pose risks if they are not properly fitted. Their use must always be accompanied by constant vigilance.

• CPR training for parents, teens, and older children is also an effective measure.