Taking my cousin swimming

[Stuartspider]

Hi,

First post here but not too sure who to ask. My cousin is away for the week on work and I'm looking after her , just turned 9 year old, son.

He's asked me if we could go swimming, which I'm fine with. However he hasn't learned to swim (due to ear problems in the past) and I'd prefer him to wear armbands.

I've asked him if he has any armbands that we could take and he says that he's never used them and doesn't want to. But I'd like him to wear armbands to swimming, especially if he can't swim, just to make him safe. I spoke to him mum and she said it's up to me.

Am i being unfair if i make him wear armbands to swimming? I don't want to make him upset but I'd prefer that he's safe and I'm not worrying.

Thank you in advance

Both mine learnt at the age of 3 as they had lessons.

They also went swimming with school.

Ds can't swim and may never be able to but loves being in the water. He has armbands for 6 -12 year olds because he has no idea of water safety.

Our local pool is really cold unless you are actually swimming.

Nope to armbands. Not useful in this case, or in most others tbh. Its easy for someone aged 9 to be in deep enough water to try and swim and have a splashy time, without needing floatation because they can stand up.