Inflatable armbands, usually referred to as simply armbands, water wings, swimmies, or floaties, are swim aids designed to help a wearer float in water and learn to swim.
Inflatable
armbands are typically cylindrical, inflatable plastic bands that are inflated
and worn on the upper arms. When the wearer is in water, the air inside the
armbands provides buoyancy, helping the wearer float. Although often thought of
as a swimming aid for children, armbands are also available in adult sizes.