Inflatable armbands

Inflatable armbands

Inflatable armbands (usually referred to as just "armbands"), are a device to help a wearer float in water and learn to swim.

Inflatable armbands are typically cylindrical inflatable plastic bands that are inflated and worn on the upper arm. When the wearer is in water, the air inside the armbands provides buoyancy on account of its far lower density than the water. Although often thought of as a child's flotation device, armbands are also available in adult sizes.

Although inflatable armbands are popular among small children, swimming experts caution against using them, because although water wings help the child to float, they do not prevent him/her from accidentally going under water and potentially drowning. Inflatable armbands are not a life-saving device. Mistaking them for one can create a potentially fatal false sense of security.

National safety standards such as BS EN 13138-3:2007 require inflatable armbands to confirm to certain standards, such as puncture resistance and the level of buoyancy retained after a period of time beyond the inflation valve being opened and left open (an assessment of the efficiency of non-return valves designed to prevent the armbands deflating suddenly if an inflation valve is opened). Standards also require prominent labelling near to the inflation valves to the effect that inflatable armbands are not life preservers and should only be used under competent supervision.

Inflatable armbands for swimmers were invented by Bernhard Markwitz in Hamburg, Germany. In 1956, Markwitz's three-year-old daughter had fallen into a goldfish pond and nearly drowned. Because of this, Markwitz invented and developed a swimming aid that would be safer for children than the swimming rings at the time, which were made of cork. A lottery win (253 thousand Deutsche Mark) gave him a suitable start capital. In 1964, Markwitz had developed the armbands in their final form and marketed them under the name "BEMA". Their modern name in German, Schwimmflügel, literally translates as "water wings".

A similar design of waterwings was shown in the magazine "Modern Mechanix" in October 1931. They were made of rubber, consisted of two parts and were worn on the upper arms. The armbands could be inflated through a valve. These were first demonstrated in public on the beaches of Los Angeles, California, USA.Fact|date=August 2008

In 1907, in response to swimming having become part of the school curriculum and therefore increased parental concerns about the safety of their children in the water, the Dean's Rag Book Company, London, introduced the Swimeesy Buoy, inflatable armbands with a colourful design in the form of a butterfly. (A plain white version was also available). This product became so popular that it was available, almost unchanged, until the outbreak of World War II.

External links

* [http://www.bsi-global.com/en/Shop/Publication-Detail/?pid=000000000030148744 British Standard 13138-3:2007] , buoyant aids for swimming instruction. [http://www.bsi-global.com/en/Shop/Publication-Detail/?pid=000000000000305705 BS 7661:1993 specification for inflatable armbands worn as flotation aids] is proposed for withdrawal given this more recent standard.


Wikimedia Foundation. 2010.

Игры ⚽ Поможем сделать НИР

Look at other dictionaries:

  • Armband — This article deals with non military armbands used for display purposes. For military armbands, see brassard. : For flotation arm bands, see inflatable armbands. : For metal arm bands generally, see arm ring. For Celtic or Viking era metal arm… …   Wikipedia

  • Swimsuit — A swimsuit, bathing suit, or swimming costume is an item of clothing designed to be worn by men, women or children while they are engaging in a water based activity or water sports, such as swimming, water polo, diving, surfing, water skiing, or… …   Wikipedia

  • Competitive swimwear — generally refers to the Swimsuit, apparel, equipment and accessories used in the aquatic sports of swimming, diving, synchronized swimming, triathlon and water polo. Brands Female Swimsuits Racerback Kneeskin Bodyskin LZR Racer Male Swimsuits… …   Wikipedia

  • Swimming machine — This article is about the modern exercise and rehabilitation equipment. For the Victorian modesty apparatus, see Bathing machine. A swimming machine is a resistance swimming apparatus, often self contained, enabling the swimmer to swim in place.… …   Wikipedia

  • Noseclip — A noseclip (often referred to as a nose clip ) is a small bent piece of wire covered in rubber worn by some swimmers (primarily synchronized swimmers). It is designed to clasp the nostrils closed to prevent water from getting in or air from… …   Wikipedia

  • Swim briefs — Water polo player wearing swim briefs. A swim brief, or racing brief, refers to any briefs style male swimsuit such as those worn in competitive swimming and diving. The popularity of the Australian Speedo brand racing brief has led to the use of …   Wikipedia

  • Alas acuáticas — Una madre y niños aprediéndo a nadar con las alas. Las alas acuáticas también llamado aletas, flotadores, bandas o nadadores son un aparato para asistir en el aprendizaje de la natación y flotación. Las alas acuáticas tipicamente son bandas… …   Wikipedia Español

Share the article and excerpts

Direct link
Do a right-click on the link above
and select “Copy Link”