Swim vest/float for 5 year old? To put one on or not?

[ThisMustBeMyDream]

Just wanted a canvas of opinions as we have 2 opinions over here.
One is that 5 year old who can swim less than 5m should have a float vest on for holiday swimming as there are 2 adults and 3 children (5, 7 and 9 yr old who has autism and adhd).
The other is that it will hamper their swimming and they should be given a pool noodle instead.
So, what do you all think?

We used swim vests. It meant they could enjoy themselves, go on waterside and was extra piece of mind.

Personally we found noodles got in the way. Good for lessons/practicing swimming, not so good for just playing. But its personal opinion.

I'd vote pool noodle, it's the perfect time to learn to swim. We've just got back from a villa holiday, DS6 could only swim a few metres before but within days was doing full length- nothing improves swimming like a summer holiday but the obvious caveat is you need to be vigilant, but you'd need to do that anyway noodle/ vest or not

The holiday is an AI type, so busy pool area.

We did life vests on ours if they couldn't touch the floor of the pool until they were decent swimmer or unless they were on to one with a good swimmer. They all had lessons from about 3 and all are good swimmers. Swam 5 or 6 times a week in a hot country though. I'm pretty sure the best vest we had was a Speedo one with a zip and a strap between the legs

Did you all make it on holiday in the end?

I'd do a bit of both. It's doesn't have to be one or the other.

Both. Swim vest on if parents sat on lounger watching or edge of pool or if one parent is with all three for a while. When both adults are physically in the water remove vest and encourage to practice swimming when they have your full undivided attention.

If you don't take one you have to have eyes in the back of your head and can never relax even for a second.