Adult Life jacket/vest advice

[Saidie008]

Not an AIBU but more looking for advice. I don't know where else to post this.

I am going on a beach holiday with my sister and nephews. I can't swim but I do want to go into the sea/pool. Can anyone suggest a lightweight life jacket or something similar where I won't look like a prat?

No. If you can't swim it won't hold you in the right position. Can you swim at all?

A lot of adult non swimmers I've seen use those pool noodles. Might be an idea?

What has stopped you learning? Have you time for a few lessons before hand?

I’d say a noodle is fine for a pool, but not sure about in the sea, if you were to get caught in a rip you’d be very vulnerable

Just stay at a safe depth. I think splashabout make adult size buoyancy aids, but you’ll probably feel more comfortable if you just stay within your depth.

Stay within your depth. A life jacket/ flotation device will keep you afloat it won’t help you swim.

Most importantly don’t rely on anything not securely strapped to you if swimming in the sea, a strong currant will rip it right out of your hands and then you’re stuffed.

Choose a beach with a lifeguard and obey all signage. If stuck in a rip don’t fight back to shore, swim parallel to the beach until the currant stops pushing you out to sea, then you can get back to shore.

For the pool, use a noodle or inflatable but try and stay within your depth (i.e. chest height)
For the sea, always stay within your depth anyway, unless it's very calm and you are a confident swimmer. How about a body board or similar? Then you only take your feet off the ground if you are heading inshore. Avoid if it's too rough/steeply shelving/strong tides.
TBH though swimming probably lends a false sense of security for the sea - most people who get drowned are able to swim whereas non-swimmers are far more careful!
Second the advice to get some lessons - it shouldn't take long to learn with one to one lessons for adults - even a few weeks would be really worthwhile and help you enjoy it a lot more

Do not go in the sea if you are a non swimmer - the chance of being knocked over by a wave and pushed out of your depth is too great.

In the pool, you could use a noodle and stay in your depth.

@babysharkah
I can't swim at all.

@Singlebutmarried
Fear really and lack of time. Also, really self conscious about body and looking like an idiot learning to swim.
I discovered swim leggings last year. I now have a rash vest and swim leggings to wear but too afraid to go into the water. Last year I did go into the kids' pool but panicked when I began to float.