# Pool float

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> Source: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pool_float
> Source revision: 1295382635
> License: Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/)

{{Short description|Device used to keep someone above water}}
thumb|A young girl holding onto a kickboard in a swimming pool
A '''swimming float''', commonly known as '''pool float''' or '''floaty''', is a device used for [toddler](/source/toddler)s or other very young children who are beginning to learn how to [swim](/source/Human_swimming), or during exercise for therapeutic or training purposes. These devices, which come in many shapes and types, are used to aid them with [buoyancy](/source/buoyancy), or for floating on for fun.

The most common floats for children and adults are [inflatable ring](/source/swim_ring)s (in the middle of which the user swims) and [inflatable armbands](/source/inflatable_armbands) (placed around the user's arms).  After being inflated through a [valve](/source/valve), they are much less dense than water because they are composed mainly of air, surrounded by a thin layer of synthetic material.

Float-assisted swimming can be more difficult than free swimming, because if the float is held in front of the swimmer a more vigorous workout for the legs is given as the swimmer's weight is propelled solely by the legs, and vice versa for the arms.

== Swimming board ==
{{Redirect|Kickboard|the type of two-wheeled vehicle commonly known as "kickboard" in South Korean 'Konglish'|Kick scooter|the motorized versions|Motorized scooter|and|E-scooter}}
thumb|right|A standard EVA foam kickboard'''Swimming boards''' (often referred to as '''kickboards''' or '''flutter boards''') are a flotation aid used for fun or to develop a swimmer's kicking action. They can be used on all strokes but are primarily used on [Freestyle](/source/Freestyle_swimming), [Butterfly stroke](/source/Butterfly_stroke) and [Breaststroke](/source/Breaststroke).

Swimmers of all ability can use them.  Young swimmers can develop their kicking action while elite swimmers can refine their kick. They are also used to strengthen a swimmers' legs.<ref>[http://news.bbc.co.uk/sportacademy/hi/sa/swimming/equipment/newsid_3727000/3727438.stm BBC Sport Academy - Swimming equipment guide]</ref>

===Construction===
thumb|right|Worn foam kickboardKickboards are usually made from [EVA foam](/source/Ethylene-vinyl_acetate). Some are made of more durable [HDPE](/source/HDPE). The EVA foam boards can break easily and become very worn after long use, meaning the board can slowly disintegrate over time.

===Variations===
There are some variations of kickboards from the traditional form with two hand grips. Some can be used as a kickboard and a [pull buoy](/source/pull_buoy). These are often oddly shaped so they can be used for both of the training aspects.

== Other floats ==

Especially-large floats can be used as seats to float or sit on top of a pool for the user to stand on top in the manner of a [raft](/source/raft).

A variation known as the "[pool noodle](/source/pool_noodle)" is a long, thin cylinder, measuring {{convert|3|-|5|ft|cm|-1}} long and {{convert|3|in|cm|0}} in diameter, sometimes with a hollow core. It can be used to aid in floating or stretching exercises.

A [pull buoy](/source/pull_buoy) or "leg float" is used to focus exercise on the arms.

'''Pool dumbbells''' are used for strength training where muscles push down against [buoyancy](/source/buoyancy).  This is the opposite of conventional [dumbbell](/source/dumbbell)s, which are used to force muscles to pull up, against gravity.

==See also==
{{commonscat|Swimming floats}}
{{div col}}
* [Air mattress](/source/Air_mattress)
* [Inflatable armbands](/source/Inflatable_armbands)
* [Lifebuoy](/source/Lifebuoy)
* [List of inflatable manufactured goods](/source/List_of_inflatable_manufactured_goods)
* [Personal flotation device](/source/Personal_flotation_device)
* [Swim ring](/source/Swim_ring)
{{div col end}}

==References==
{{Reflist}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Swimming History}}
Category:Swimming equipment
Category:Buoyancy devices

{{Competitive swimwear}}

{{Tool-stub}}

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Adapted from the Wikipedia article [Pool float](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pool_float) by Wikipedia contributors ([contributor history](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pool_float?action=history)). Available under [Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International](https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/). Changes may have been made.