How do I help DD progress to swimming without buoyancy aids?

[franch]

DD1 is 5.5y and has been propelling herself through the water happily with a noodle or rubber ring for ages now. She's been having weekly lessons at school through the summer term and the teacher says she's nervous about giving up the noodle. I've had a go with her and she seems really happy and confident in the water, and keen to swim independently - but if she tries, she just seems to sink.

I'm going to try to help her progress a bit over the holidays, so any tips would be really appreciated. Thanks

I think those swim jackets are good - then you gradually let the air out/remove a float without telling her.

Or ditch the noodle and deflate the rubber ring slowly?

with ds we just let him swim a short distance walking in front of him so could rescue him if he got in a panic or sank

Good tips soupy and nemo - thank you.

DD's been at the same stage for ages, but the last couple of weeks we've been to an open-air pool, and she's worn a wetsuit (cheapie from asda) as she gets really cold. It has just enough air in it that she can swim independently, and it's given her such a confidence boost that she's now able to swim without it.

Don't know if it's an option?

Sounds good SM - I'm not sure of the kind of wetsuit you mean though - ?

Like surfers wear, long arms/ legs, for keeping warm in the sea

All the supermarkets seem to sell them

Can you go swimming with her friends - that hopefully can swim unaided - to some fun sessions rather than "swimming" sessions.
The wetsuit suggestion is also a great one.
hth

Oh OK, I thought it must be inflatable in some way

No, not inflatable, that's the point. But it does hold a leetle bit of air, and she feels like she's doing it with no aids at all.

Well katie we're holidaying with her cousin in a couple of weeks in a house with a pool - he's a champion swimmer so may provide some inspiration!

We've always taken her swimming for fun, though not usually with friends - the actual lessons are a recent thing at school - they are of course more formal but she is amongst her friends there. We've also been invited to join them for a 'fun swim' a couple of times.

Hi, My DD used these at her lessons, started off with 3 on each arm then reduced the number until she had none.
www.newitts.com/product/SA-02/Delphin_Disc_Swimming_Aid.htm

OK that's interesting SM

They look good handbag

I have the answer a SWIm FIN

Dd has gon from not being able to swim - or even float - to being able to swim about 5m unaided after just two very short swimming sessions with the swim fin.

It gave her the confidence and helped her postion herself in the water. It also doesn't get in the way like arm bands/noodles do.

It was fantstic to watch the first time she had it on. She just took off

I hope I don't sound too much like an advert but it really is great