As a pool manager, I’m often asked about swim gear like nose plugs, full-face goggles (that cover the nose), and arm floaties. While these items may seem helpful—especially for beginners—they can actually interfere with proper swimming technique and water safety if relied on too heavily.
Let’s start with nose plugs and goggles that cover the nose. These can create a false sense of comfort by preventing water from entering the nose, but they also prevent swimmers from learning an essential skill: controlled breathing. Proper swimming technique includes learning how to exhale through the nose while underwater. This helps swimmers stay relaxed, maintain rhythm, and avoid panic if water splashes their face. When swimmers depend on devices to block water completely, they often struggle when those devices are removed or shift unexpectedly—which can happen easily during play. Goggles that cover both the eyes and nose can also limit a swimmer’s ability to practice breath control naturally. In some cases, they may even encourage poor head positioning, making it harder to develop efficient stroke technique.
Arm floaties (water wings) are another commonly used item that can do more harm than good over time. While they may keep a child afloat, they hold the body in a vertical position—completely opposite of the horizontal position needed for real swimming. This can delay learning how to kick, float, and move through the water properly. Children who rely on floaties often struggle to transition to independent swimming because their muscle memory has developed incorrectly.
Additionally, none of these devices are considered life-saving equipment. They can slip off, deflate, or create overconfidence in situations where close supervision is still necessary.
Instead, we encourage the use of properly fitted life jackets for safety and participation in swim lessons to build real skills. Learning to be comfortable in the water—without relying on restrictive gear—is one of the most important steps toward becoming a safe, confident swimmer.