A swimming float, commonly known as pool float or floaty, is a device used for toddlers or other very young children who are beginning to learn how to 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 inflatable rings (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.