Stiftung Warentest tests swimming aids: Good doesn't have to be expensive
24.4.2024
Translation: machine translated
Stiftung Warentest has tested swimming aids for children. However, it is not satisfied with all models.
Swimming aids are designed to keep children on the surface of the water and bring them into a horizontal position so that they can learn to swim. The Stiftung Warentest tested twelve models: eight pairs of water wings, three swimming belts and one swimming cushion. The testers found four faulty products that were either unsafe or contained too many harmful substances.
Among other things, it was tested whether the swimming aids provide enough buoyancy, how easy they are to use and whether they pass on any harmful substances to children's bare skin.
These are the test winners
What I personally was very pleased about: The winners of the test are the "Flipper Swimsafe buoyancy aids with PE foam core", which I actually also use for my two children. They received a test score of 1.5 and, according to Stiftung Warentest, they provide a lot of buoyancy. However, they take up more space than wings, which only need to be inflated, and are comparatively expensive.
Four other water wings received a "good" rating, including the cheapest in the test: the "Bestway Swim Safe ABC Level C Wondersplash" water wings. [doNotTest].
Only one of three swimming belts is "Good"
Of the three swimming belts tested, the "Beco Sealife Swimming Belt 5 Pads" model scored best with a grade of 2.3. The model from the Bema brand received a "satisfactory" rating, while Stiftung Warentest labelled the "Sima" model from Fashy as "inadequate": the buoyancy is too low and the belt loosens too easily. [do
The water wings from the Fashy brand also scored "Poor". It was criticised that the valve cap could easily tear off, posing a choking hazard for your child. The Nabaji swim wings from Decathlon and the Minti wings from Edwekin also received this poor rating. In the Nabaiji wings, the label releases too much chromium VI. The compound can cause skin rashes. And in the Edwekin water wings (score 5.5), the testers discovered high levels of the plasticiser DEHP. This can impair fertility. The chlorinated paraffins also discovered are suspected of causing cancer.
Header image: Bbernard/Shutterstock
A true local journalist with a secret soft spot for German pop music. Mum of two boys, a dog and about 400 toy cars in all shapes and colours. I always enjoy travelling, reading and go to concerts, too.