Swimming party for 4 year olds- good idea?

[Frokni]

My soon to be 4 year old wants a swimming party (baby pool of course). How many 4 year olds though have the confidence to play in a pool for an hour without their parents IYO?

Ratio is 2 children to 1 adult for under 8s, how many parents do you think will want to have a play in pool too?

I would love it as a parent but want to ensure enough children come to the party and won't be put off if they're not confident swimmers.

Just an opinion needed or if anyone has hosted a pool party for kids as young as 4.

Thanks so much

Am aiming to get invites out after half term

DrWhy

I think I am the only person on here who’d cheerfully take any excuse to get in a swimming pool! I wouldn’t be willing to supervise someone else’s child

But that’s exactly what you would end up doing because some parents would drop and run, some wouldn’t be in the pool. You couldn’t ignore a struggling child so you’d end up supervising.

Other option is - how well do you know the parents. Why not sound the closest ones out first- say you are thinking about renting out a pool and having a big play date? I've considered this with friends who have swimmers. I do find it odd so many children can't swim but I think this thread has demonstrated that lots of people are very nervous about it. The other issue is that UK pools are so heavily reliant on armbands and might ask that every child wears them, which wouldn't work for the small children who can swim.

Hi guys

We have decided on taking just 2 or 3 of DD friends swimming then for pizza so parents don't need to be involved in staying behind.

My DD can swim independently as can 1 other friend so it means me and DH can be on point for other kids

X

Excellent OP! I hope your son has a wonderful day and lucky his mum and dad put so much effort in making it so

Daughter!

Thanks @rainbowtrain we are excited for it all as we feel 4 is when they start remembering things like this! Can't wait.

Have a wonderful time! Don’t let other peoples comments put you off swimming parties. My ds have been to a few (a bit older though) and had a wonderful time!

No, way too young. Many 4 year olds can’t swim, lots of parents wouldn’t be happy with others supervising their child in waster and as a parent there’s no way I’d want to be getting my cossie on in front of other school parents.

No. I did it at 10, that’s the earliest I would consider

We have decided on taking just 2 or 3 of DD friends swimming then for pizza so parents don't need to be involved in staying behind.

My DD can swim independently as can 1 other friend so it means me and DH can be on point for other kids

I’m totally not an over protective parent at all but even this would give me the wobbles at 4. I wouldn’t let a 4 year old go swimming with another family. Have you checked with their parents? It’s very young to take on such a responsibility. Presumably these are children who haven’t even started school yet?