Did you know that swim rings got their start as nothing more exciting than the inner tube of a vehicle tyre? Some bright soul realised that an inflated inner tube would float in the water, and thus a delightful swimming toy was born.
Those first swim rings were probably not very much to look at, but soon toy companies had the thought to make tubes of cheery coloured vinyl or PVC, making them as pretty as they are fun to play with. Today children of all ages can enjoy floating swim rings of any colour of the rainbow, and with an endless variety of charming designs. Made of much thinner (yet still robust) materials and featuring plastic air valves, they are far easier to inflate than the original inner tubes — and you no longer have to take apart a tyre to get to them.
Aside from being great fun in the pool or the sea, swim rings are perfect for children who are just learning to swim. The comforting buoyancy of a swim ring gives a child confidence that he or she is safe in the water — and with the development of swim rings with multiple inflatable chambers, that confidence is well placed. Even if the strong PVC were to be punctured in one spot, the other inflated chambers can compensate, keeping the child safely afloat.
And now even the youngest swimmers can join in the fun, with baby swim rings that feature extra inflatable pads to prevent slipping through, as well as secure safety belts. What a pleasure to know that the littlest members of the family don't have to stay on-shore, but can share in mum and dad's enjoyment of the water. For fun and for safety, swim rings are something no family should be without. |
