Stearns Kids Life Jacket

******Never assume that this is a replacement for full/direct parental supervision of any child wearing a Puddle Jumper. ******* Was at the pool and saw a group of young children playing with puddle jumpers on (pre-k)asked their mom where they got them, she said amazon. It really seemed to me that those kids really enjoyed swimming more than my daughter which wore a water-ski style floatation device/ jacket from a local wholesale club. Although this particular design I could not find locally, they do carry these in other designs locally ['marts (you'll have to look around) ]but my little Ariel didn't want those. Had to be this one. Using an iPad to view this, the colors match the Puddle Jumper I received. This amazon item was not overpriced either; PLEASE do not pay over 30+s&h. My daughter is 47lbs 3'6" and she swam the length of the pool several times, like a pro. It really seemed to boost her confidence while in water, while not exactly timid or hydrophobic before hand, she was reluctant to leave the shallow end where her feet could touch and actually practice the kicking / arm movements she was being taught. I think it is enough of a crutch that it will eventually be unnecessary in a few seasons. The thing I really liked about Puddle Jumpers is it did not chafe her, it did not slide up to her neck, and it was not cumbersome. It's Coast Guard certified for a certain size boat, idk what size but it did say on the tags which were attached to the life vest. Stearns' website was just as vague as Amazons specs. These are Inherently buoyant, IIRC. Never mind I'll dig it out, per the vest: (condensed) SPECIAL USE -TYPE V PFD / INTENDED USE: Flotation Device. --CHILD-- USER WEIGHT: 30-50 lbs. (14-23 kg) Blah blah blah....This is a substitute for Type III PFD-- ONLY WHEN WORN. USCG approved wearable device for uninspected commercial vessels less than 40 ft (12 m) in length not carrying passengers for hire and for recreational boats. Not approved for personal watercraft , for skiing, or similar towed uses. Blah blah blah.... MUST BE WORN WITH BUCKLE IN BACK.... Blah blah....DO NOT CARRY HEAVY OBJECTS- HEAVY OBJECTS IMPAIR FLOTATION. Not designed to turn an unconscious wearer face up in the water... It's design provides a stable position in calm water with their head tilted back...Blah blah blah. UL LISTED FLOTATION AID. ---------------------------------------------------(Forgive me I do not want to write the entire listing on the PFD as there is a great deal of counterfeiting on the internet, and I do not wish to contribute to it. I hope the readers understand.)-------------------------------------- What I got from the above is, USCG Approved if your boat is for pleasure not for hire, then this PFD is a substitute for a type III PFD --at your own risk of course. Made for calm water, no chop. Also bear in mind that if a person/child were to grab the wearer of a puddle jumper it would impair flotation by adding additional weight. Something to think about if swimming in pools or lakes, crowded or not, with other children or unseasoned swimmers which ties to my very first statement. This review I intended for it to be short, so thanks for reading!