Do life jackets at the swimming pool preserve life or pose an unexpected danger?

Whether to allow life jackets has been a source of controversy among pool managers for many years.

Some believe allowing life jackets causes children to become dependent upon them and they never learn how to swim properly. Supporters believe the assisted buoyancy allows children to perfect their strokes.

Some believe life jackets provide a false sense of security and those who are more gregarious will push their limits so much they put their own safety in danger. Others believe parents have a false sense of security and tend to not pay close attention to their children.

All could be valid concerns. However, none of them pertain to the policy at the Walton Aquatic Center.

Simply put, we do not allow life jackets and other buoyancy devices for another safety reason. As anyone who has worn a life jacket knows, most United States Coast Guard approved vests can be bulky, making it nearly impossible for lifeguards to monitor the pool bottom which is critical as guards scan for potential drowning victims.

The combination of life jackets and the permanent floaties at the Aquatic Center make what is seemingly a safety device a danger for others.

For instance, suppose a child is climbing on one of the floaties and he gets into trouble, another child in a life jacket is obstructing the lifeguard's view; all of a sudden the scenario turns catastrophic.

The use of the life jacket makes the lifeguard's job much more difficult. Given the responsibility placed on our staff, easing the load is a welcomed occurrence.