DS1 (8) has finally cracked water safety in that he can swim out of his depth and is even attempting diving. He has had a year's worth of 1:1 lessons (we reckon his 25m badge cost us 100 quid a metre...). He has recently been spurred on by 2 friends who are more courageous so I can FINALLY go to a pool without him hanging off me.
NOW, no such luck with my rather immature DS2 aged 6. He HAS to wear armbands the whole time and is really showing no inclination to 'have a go'. As a result he gets cold and bored in the pool as he hangs around my neck the whole time if I am in water deep enough for DS1 to have fun. I am thinking about a different approach, that of sticking DS2 in a learn-to-swim floatation device and I rather fancy the Bobin neoprene jackets that zip up and which you put floats in. Are they any good? I don't want one of those 'float suits' like a girl's all in one swim suit you put cylindrical floats in, incidentally. At 6, he DOES have his dignity!
MY thinking is that at least in Bobin he can have his arms free thus maybe can attempt some proper strokes which arm bands inhibit.
Any experience? Thanks