Actually, Jason, this suit is quite like a type III pfd (full torso) sewn
into the clothing.  I would think a "waist only" pfd would not keep her head
out of the water.  This suit is constructed such that it's impossible to
keep your head in the water unless a good deal of effort is expended in
trying to push yourself under water.

We had a pool party for the kids last night--one child had on a suit as you
described.  I don't mean to pick nits, but they are different altogether.  I
may be talking out of school here, but I think the one I'm describing would
be safer.

If I find the web page I'll forward it along.  I think it's great that
you're getting Lauren into swimming.  It's great therapy and great fun!

-Kyle

-----Original Message-----
From: Jason Kruse PA
To: [log in to unmask]
Sent: 7/7/02 12:17 AM
Subject: Re: Swimming with hemiplegia

Thanks Kyle and Magenta-
I think our local target or Sams has a suit with
little rectangles that are sewn around the waist. I
think this may be what your talking about. I
appreciate the resources you mentioned. I agree, that
regardless of her becoming a good swimmer she should
learn to float in an emergency situation

Thanks

Jason Kruse
--- Original Message ---
From: "Cleveland, Kyle E." <[log in to unmask]>
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject:      Re: Swimming with hemiplegia

> Jason,
>
>Depending on how "mild" Lauren's dystonia might be, I
wouldn't sell her
>short too quickly.  I'm a right hemi, and I can do a
fairly decent
>side-stroke.  If her left side is the lower half in
the water, her left arm
>will provide the "power" stroke.  The local "Y"
should be able to show her
>and you some simple "treading" strokes like dog-
paddle should she happen to
>fall in.  One of the first things I learned as a kid
was to do a survival
>float by curling in a ball and breathing every 10
seconds or so.  I used it
>(with obvious success) a couple years ago when I got
carried downstream by
>current while I was flyfishing and lost my footing.
I ended up in a downed
>tree after floating downstream for a couple minutes.
The navy and USMC
>teach the technique to recruits should their ship
sink.  Believe me, it
>works!
>
>That aside, my four year old son (AB) has a swimsuit
with a built-in pfd.
>It looks like the turn-of-the-century suits men used
to wear and has foam
>inserts sewn in--front and back.  He can practice his
strokes without the
>pfd getting in the way, but floats like a cork when
he just wants to play in
>the pool (our housing development has a pool, so he
and his sister swim
>daily).  If you're interested, we picked his suit up
at the local giant
>supermarket (Kroger).  It's called a "waterbug".  My
wife, Laura, says that
>the manufacturer has a web page, but I couldn't find
anything on a cursory
>search of "waterbug".  Your mileage may vary.
>
>Hope this helps!
>
>-----Original Message-----
>From: Jason Kruse PA
>To: [log in to unmask]
>Sent: 7/6/02 6:23 PM
>Subject: Swimming with hemiplegia
>
>Hello everyone-
>Been a while since Ive chatted with you all but I am
>needing some advice regarding our Lauren 5 yr (mild
>left hemi with hypotonia). She loves the water, and we
>have been taking swimming lessons. Her left arm just
>doesn't paddle like it is suppose to. She has good
>alternating kicking which I think is just fine but
>without the left arm I just cant see her actually
>swimming independantly. She also does not naturally
>right herself if she was to fall down under the water.
>If I am not there she would drown in my opinion if she
>ever fell. What I am curious about is everyone elses
>experiences personally with water, what you can do,
>how old were you when you be came able to swim, any
>advice suggestions, etc. She is able to hold on to the
>styrofoam roll under her armpits and navigate pretty
>well around a pool fyi.
>
>Thanks
>
>Jason Kruse (dad)
>
>Jason Kruse, PA
>Family Medicine East
>Heartland Research Associates
>Kansas PA Temps

Jason Kruse, PA
Family Medicine East
Heartland Research Associates
Kansas PA Temps