View source for Pool float

{{Short description|Device used to keep someone above water}}
[[File:Girl with swimming board.jpg|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]]s or other very young children who are beginning to learn how to [[Human swimming|swim]], or during exercise for therapeutic or training purposes. These devices, which come in many shapes and types, are used to aid them with [[buoyancy]], or for floating on for fun.

The most common floats for children and adults are [[swim ring|inflatable ring]]s (in the middle of which the user swims) and [[inflatable armbands]] (placed around the user's arms).  After being inflated through a [[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}}
[[Image:Swimming kick board.jpg|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 swimming|Freestyle]], [[Butterfly stroke]] and [[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===
[[Image:Worn foam kickboard.jpg|thumb|right|Worn foam kickboard]]Kickboards are usually made from [[Ethylene-vinyl acetate|EVA foam]]. Some are made of more durable [[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]]. 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]].

A variation known as the "[[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]] or "leg float" is used to focus exercise on the arms.

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

==See also==
{{commonscat|Swimming floats}}
{{div col}}
* [[Air mattress]]
* [[Inflatable armbands]]
* [[Lifebuoy]]
* [[List of inflatable manufactured goods]]
* [[Personal flotation device]]
* [[Swim ring]]
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==References==
{{Reflist}}

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

{{Competitive swimwear}}

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