Floatation aids for children who can already swim a bit - what do I need?

[AwesomeAvocado]

We’re travelling to Europe this summer and staying in some Center Parcs style resorts. Apparently they’re strict on children who aren’t good swimmers wearing flotation aids in all the pools.

DS (9) is reasonably water confident but couldn’t pass his 25m badge quite yet which is basically the standard they are looking for. He’s outraged at the notion of having to wear armbands (“babyish” apparently) and I can only imagine they’ll impede his progress towards actually swimming properly.

What kind of floatation aid should I be looking for that’s suitable for a 9 year old who can swim ok who actually wants to improve his swimming and not bob about?

My DS had a shark fin. He loved it. You aren’t going to leave him unsupervised anyway so I’d think it would be enough.

Swim fin or aqua plane, let him choose. He might find it fun. I would take one of those. And if they still insist on something else he can always use one of the float vests provided, or you can buy one there. I wouldn't get a float vest though unless I absolutely had to, seems a silly waste of money for a 9yo who is a decent swimmer.

Level 2 close to level 3. I think he’d need to be level 5 to be of the equivalent standard required. That’s not realistically going to happen.

Obviously not sure what swimming scheme your son is on, but my son is in Swim England Stage 4 and doesn't have his 25m badge. However, I think he could swim that far, it's just his lesson only has a 15m section of the pool.

I wonder if he's not progressing very quickly it might be to do with his technique? There are some kids in my son's class that really struggle but you can see that their legs are low in the water etc. I think they use a lot of energy but actually don't move as efficently through the water so get tired. If he's very nearly managing 25m then a bit of work 1-2-1 on his technique and on his stamina, might just be what you need.

Just put arm bands on but only partially fill them with air.

Ignore my previous post as your son is in Swim England Stage 2, you're probably right that 25m is Stage 5. I think he's unlikely to be a good enough swimmer for what the centre is looking for by this summer.

My son used a float belt when he started his Stage 2 lessons (along with a pool noodle for a bit too) so that must have been okay for swimming. You can also get float vests. If you buy in a discreet colour it will blend in and not look hugely obvious. I can imagine your 9yo won't want to wear orange arm bands!

Maybe book him into a few 1:1 lessons,
OP. He should progress very quickly that way.

I'm a lifeguard in a regular lane swimming pool. We worry a lot about weak swimmers or any children wearing flotation aids. Your DS will not be allowed out of his depth with any kind of float.

He can cover 25m without difficulty, just not with a good technique.

His stamina is great, his coordination isn’t so great!