Xiong Fazhou explained that many people mistakenly think swimming rings are lifebuoys, which is actually a misconception. Lifebuoys are a type of water rescue equipment, usually made of cork, foam plastic, or other lightweight materials with low density, wrapped in canvas, plastic, etc. They can serve a lifesaving function and come with many additional features. Swimming rings, on the other hand, are classified as water toys and follow different standards — they comply with toy safety standards. Compared to lifebuoys, swimming rings are more prone to punctures and air leaks, have very poor pressure resistance, and their wet plastic surfaces can be slippery and hard to grip. While swimming rings can offer some assistance or protection during leisure water activities, they pose certain risks in deep-water areas. It's best not to overly rely on swimming rings, especially for children. Even if a child is wearing a swimming ring, an adult should accompany them.
Xiong Fazhou stated that when buying a swimming ring, don’t go for one that’s too large, as a larger ring increases the risk of a person slipping through, thereby raising the danger level. Low-quality plastic materials can lead to the swimming ring breaking, leaking air, or even bursting. When purchasing a swimming ring, make sure it has a 3C certification mark, and check whether the packaging includes information such as the manufacturer, address, and production date. Try to choose a ring made of material with a certain thickness and with smooth seams. For children, it’s best to opt for a swimming ring with multiple air chambers. Don’t choose based solely on price, as this may hide potential safety hazards.