A grandmother in Washington state is warning people about a “dangerous” life jacket that she says almost caused her granddaughter to drown.
Holly Mueller shared a video on Facebook that’s now been viewed more than 21 million times that shows her granddaughter Marissa wearing a life jacket in the pool with Mueller’s husband, Daniel. When Daniel placed Marissa in the pool, she immediately rolled onto her stomach and her face was submerged in the water. He demonstrated this several times with the same result.
Since the video has gone viral, people have pointed out that Mueller was teaching the toddler to swim in a personal safety device (PDF), or buoyancy jacket, and they work differently than a life jacket.
According to Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit a life jacket and a PFD serve different purposes, though they do “in many cases look very similar”:
A life jacket is designed to turn an unconscious person from face down to face up in the water, allowing them to breathe. A PFD is designed to keep a conscious person afloat in calm conditions.
The Red Cross said that life jackets are used “to keep your head above water and help you remain in a position that allows you to breathe.”
Parents, please educate yourselves on the difference. It may save a life.
Author: Mile High Mamas
