Pool fun/Learning to swim/bouyancy aids for toddlers - advice wanted

[JimbobJones]

Hi

I take my DS (just turned 2) to the local toddler swim session on Sunday mornings...been about 5 times now and he loves it!

We spend about 30 mins in the pool, he goes on my shoulders, likes to hold on to ther bar and move himself along (supported by me of course), splash about and also watch daddy blow bubbles. He has also recently learned that he enjoys having a shower afterwards!

He can be clingy and holds on to me a lot in a cuddle position whilst we move around the pool but is always smiling and laughing.

I want him to use some kind of bouyancy aid so he can learn to have some independance from me in the pool (obviously with me still in touching distance and still supporting him with my hands.)

I'd like to hear any recommendations anyone may have, share experiences and get some general tips and advice

Cheers

This is v. interesting! We recently got our 4 yr old over being scared of the swimming pool. Now he is v. happy in the baby pool but is in depth all the time and it's v. difficult to get him to do any floating, even though they do have large frog shaped floats and noodles. He walks around all the time, pushing them. At least he's having fun though. He starts swimming lessons in Sept and think he will freak if he has to go out of depth!! DD who is 21 months though, in the same shallow pool can't touch the bottom as well and seems much more naturally inclined to try and float and kick her arms and legs. So maybe will try her with arm bands.

I think you are going the right route Slow Down. I used to be an assistant swim teacher. I think take it slowly and build confidence with your four year old. Have lots of fun in the water and take the whole family sometimes as the younger ones confidence will help the sibling to grow in confidence about floating.

I used to teach four year olds and once their confidence is won, it's a job to stop them!

we have used the floaties suit for our little boy since he was about 18 months and its fantasstic he is now 3.8 and can swim on his front and back and will even jump in of his own accord- he is very confident with this on and i find i am more relaxed too as i know he is safer wearing it.

(it was originally purchased as we were going abroad and we were worried about him falling in the pool as he was only young- it worked a treat and he did not fall in but padled around quite happily to the amusement off other swmmers!!!!

Blackrock - I think my ds (3.3yrs) went to those very lessons He went from being scared stiff of water, to getting excited about going swimming again

The pool supplies floats for the childrens pool, but he prefers his armbands (which were on offer in Tesco for about 99p!)

Agree though it will probbably be a case of trial and error, as to what he feels comfortable with. Think I will be investing in those noodles though - didn't realise they were that cheap.

Blackrock, thanks! Runnyhabbit - agree it is an amazing success when they go from being so scared to looking forward to swimming. Ds spent the first 30 mins of his 1st session sitting in his rubber ring at the side of the pool. I employed extreme patience to get him in. An elderly lady helped me out by saying 'well you've got a choice of waiting for him to do it or scaring him witless'.