Would you feel self-conscious wearing a lifejacket around others as an adult?

**frugalandsimple** · 08-06-2008, 02:03 PM

I'm not talking when you're out on a boat. Just swimming where the water is deep. I try not to be self-conscious about it. I've discovered that I enjoy swimming. However, I need to wear a lifejacket because I don't have much body strength and I never learned how to swim. I feel like I'm the only adult out there with a lifejacket when swimming.

**Russ** · 08-06-2008, 02:07 PM

Absolutely not. I wear a life jacket or have a life ring when I go swimming. I go in our pond with a life jacket all the time.

**GM97** · 08-06-2008, 02:09 PM

It is a bit embarrassing that I don't know how to swim but hey, I'm afraid of the water. If you think the water is deep, above your neck, there is nothing wrong with wearing a life jacket. Safety first! You may hear words from other people but don't pay any attention. It's none of their business.

**annymoll** · 08-06-2008, 02:10 PM

Not at all. We do while boating, and extended swim times. Have fun swimming!!!

**TexasPeanut** · 08-06-2008, 02:16 PM

My mom always wore one. She couldn't swim very well, crazy thing was she could water ski (I couldn't ever figure that one out) but when everyone was swimming she always wore a small life jacket or a life belt that fit just around her waist. When she didn't have either of those she always had an air mattress or inner tube with her arms and hands thrown over or around it and just kicked around the water. But yeah, still can't figure out how she felt comfortable skiing. But really I wouldn't be embarrassed at all if I wore one, to me it's better to be safe about things and be able to enjoy your life than worry about what someone may think. You go out there and swim and have a dang good time doing it, don't worry about anything else.

**VanVivCam** · 08-06-2008, 02:22 PM

We go boating at the lake all the time and while swimming my hubby and I always wear a lifejacket. I don't feel silly wearing one. It beats the heck out of drowning!!!

As one of the other posters said, a life belt is also good to use if you are just bopping around in the water.

**Nishu** · 08-06-2008, 02:45 PM

My concern would be comfort. Don't they ride up around your neck when you're in the water? Maybe you'd be more comfortable with a belt?

**cmdarlin** · 08-06-2008, 03:29 PM

It doesn't matter what others think. There isn't anything wrong in wearing a vest.

Debbie

**ktsmama** · 08-06-2008, 03:48 PM

As opposed to drowning, I would not worry about other people. Have fun and being safe will give you much enjoyment.

**Darlene** · 08-06-2008, 03:56 PM

I agree with the above posters & just wanted to encourage you to take a red cross swim class. Lots of adults learn to swim or improve their technique & strength.
Enjoy!

**rachelj** · 08-06-2008, 04:03 PM

My FIL is 60yrs+ and doesn't know how to swim. He always wears a jacket or belt. What makes this so humorous is that my dh's family had a pool growing up. FIL would just walk around it and never try to swim. Everyone says that he can't float - just sinks.

Also, the family has taken several houseboat trips. Pretty funny if you ask me since they spend so much time in the water!!

**geckoace** · 08-06-2008, 05:07 PM

definitely not! i cannot swim and i want EVERYONE i repeat EVERYONE around me to know that, just in case. LOL i would not feel self conscious in the least

**MTS04** · 08-06-2008, 05:52 PM

I would wear it. If you are looking for bouancy assistance and don't want to look too lifejackety there is a swim jacket for adults, that mimics a childs float suit.
It's called Konfidence. Here's a link to what it looks like and does.[ame="http://www.amazon.com/Konfidence-Adult-Jacket/dp/B000KA8TRG"]http://www.amazon.com/Konfidence-Adult-Jacket/dp/B000KA8TRG[/ame]

**momof42003** · 08-06-2008, 05:54 PM

I like being in the water, but if I were to go out into deeper water I would wear a life jacket.. I can't swim well enough. Would I be self conscience?? No.. Am I feeling safe--- YES... My soon to be sister in law and HER sister alway wear a life jacket... The guys kind of poke fun at them, but no one really cares.. The girls could care less about being the only ones with a life jacket on.. They are having fun. What the others are happy about is that the girls are out with everyone else having a good time too....

**Lady_V** · 08-06-2008, 07:18 PM

I can swim... in a pool... with sides.

Put me in the ocean and I suffer from CRS!!!

When I wander in to the ocean, I take my body board with me.
Mine is purpley-girlie with a velcro strap.

Even when I am in a pool, I am cautious and have a 'noodle' somewhere around me. I am not a slight woman and it can and has held my entire weight for long periods of time.