Water wings are inflatable armbands worn on the upper arms to provide buoyancy in the water. They’re commonly used as a basic flotation aid for beginners, especially young children, to help them stay afloat while learning to swim. However, they are not a substitute for supervision and are not considered a reliable life-saving device on their own. Key points to know:

• What they do: They add buoyancy around the arms, helping a wearer stay afloat and feel more secure in shallow water or during supervised practice.
• Limitations and risks: They can slip off, give a false sense of security, and encourage a vertical, “sitting up” posture rather than proper swimming technique. They don’t reliably prevent drowning, and they can hinder progression to independent swimming if used as a crutch.
• Safety best practices: Use water wings only as a temporary aid under close supervision, in shallow, controlled environments, and as part of a broader swimming lesson plan that emphasizes floating, breath control, and eventually independent swimming. Consider alternative aids and methods—such as properly supervised instruction, life jackets for boating contexts, and reaching assists or floatation devices appropriate to the activity—that promote learning and safety without overreliance on arm floaties.

If you’d like, I can tailor this to a specific age (e.g., toddler vs. older child), discuss safer alternatives, or summarize guidance from major swimming safety organizations.