It is our job to protect our swimmers and to promote learning to swim. Therefore, we strongly discourage using flotation devices of any kind in a recreational pool setting.

Our Open Swim policy concerning flotation devices is as follows: 

We do not allow the use of flotation devices of any kind by those who cannot swim. We allow the use of rafts, rings, and other toys by children and adults who can swim independently. The use of these toys is at the discretion of the lifeguards on duty.

We highly recommend the use of Coast Guard approved flotation devices in any situation where a non-swimmer or a weak swimmer might accidentally enter the water, such as while boating or playing near the water at a lake or home pool. These devices can also provide an extra measure of safety for strong swimmers in open water situations. However, flotation devices should be removed from non-swimmers when they enter the water to swim for recreation. Children who cannot swim should not wear flotation devices while playing in the water.  They should not be allowed to enter the water unless they are within arms reach of a responsible adult who can swim.

The use of flotation devices dramatically lengthens the time it will take a child to learn how to swim. In addition, it removes the incentive to learn how to swim. A child who is restricted from entering the water without an adult until they learn how to swim has an incentive to learn to swim independently.