Do you know anything about swim fins?

[TheHouseofMirth]

I'm trying to get DS who is 5 a bit more confident in water in preparation for school swimming lessons and came across this.

Has anyone got one? Are they any good?

I've not got one, but have seen one in action at my DS's old swimming class. TBH, it was a faff - kept needing to be adjusted by the instructor (who didn't seem keen), plus the little boy didn't seem to feel more confident with it as he couldn't hold it like a float or woggle, and he was low in the water. I personally wouldn't bother.
My tips for improving water confidence are to take children swimming for fun as much as you can, play loads of games that involve them getting their faces wet. Plus, when they start lessons, make sure you aren't there, so (a) you don't worry and (b) they don't see you as a get-out-quick card lol!
My DS is 5 btw, and can swim a length unaided - front and backstroke, plus duck dive etc. I put this down to his 'no fear' attitude to being under water.

Completely opposite to CardboardFox!! Ds used one in his swimming lessons, and it has really helped. He tended to go along almost vertically in the water, and it helps pull him up into a more natural position. All the children in the beginner classes use them, and ok they sometimes need adjusting after jumping in or swimming a couple of lengths, but they're really not much faff at all ime.

LOL! That doesn't help much TheHouseOfMirth does it!
I could say don't listen to the other poster, they're just a COCK, but that wouldn't help either would it ?

No bloody help at all! Hope someone else comes along to cast a deciding vote...

fear not!!! i am here to cast the deciding vote...

and my vote is...

get one! ds1 used one in his swimming lessons and it has really helped!

ds (age 4.7 years) uses a swimming noodle when we take him to the pool. We bought it on holiday 2 years ago and after trying it out refused to wear armbands again!!