[KFH]

I just read over the other swimming thread and didn't find an answer...
My ds, just turned two yesterday. We've just started going to the pool, and I am discovering that he's way too brave! I'm glad he's not scared, but I think a little bit of fear would be a good thing! It's odd, because he's not been like this in any other situation. Today, he was jumping in to the pool to my waiting arms, over, and over. I don't think I've EVER seen him have so much fun, or exude so much joy. Eventually, he decided it would be fun to jump in just to the side of me, running a little further to my left each time before he launched! I don't think I can keep up! Once he even ran down to the other side of the rope from where I was and jumped there. What to do! I don't want to discourage his enjoyment of the water, but I'm going to have drowning nightmares tonight, I'm sure.

Has anyone felt any type of flotation gear to be of any use, or does it instill a false sense of security? My daughter wasn't so exuberant in the pool at this age. She didn't seem to feel the need to be so independant, so I didn't have to wonder about that kind of thing. If so, what types of floaty things have people had good luck with? I saw some at Marshall's recently that looked like wet suits with floatation added in the torso area, (kind of looked like fake muscles, the way they were arranged) and had a thin band of floatation material aroun the neck. Also had UV protection in the fabric. Would this type be a good thing?

I'm just freaked out by his boldness....

 

[allismom]

Quote:

Originally Posted by KFH Has anyone felt any type of flotation gear to be of any use, or does it instill a false sense of security?

My sister teaches swimming lessons and has commented to me that the 'floaties' create a false sense of security. HOWEVER, in this case it sounds like some added measure for security would be a good thing!

Some are better than others.......I forget if it is flotations devices that keep your body upright or more vertical. maybe somebody else will know.

 

[tyedyedeyes]

My DS is the exact same way. Absolutely no fear about water...in fact, sometimes that's the only way to get him to relax and calm down...just give him a bath. As far as swimming goes, since we got our YMCA membership a few months ago, DS and I have been going often, and he's exactly like your DS. He even has a birthmark on his left shoulder that looks exactly like a fish...exactly as big as a goldfish cracker. It's hilarious. We do use a flotation belt for him. I don't think it gives a false sense of security to him. All he knows is he's having a good time and he can actually keep himself up to water level, of course, I'm right next to, behind, or in front of him. With children this anxious to be in the water, jumping in, splashing, whatever, they need a little extra support. I sure know my DS wouldn't let me hold him up the entire time we are in there...he'd keep saying, "Let go..mama, I wanna just do it"... :LOL When they get older and attain the attention span needed to learn how to keep yourself afloat (besides instinct), then do it without the belt or vest. Right now, all they know is "Oooh, cool, i'm not on ground, but i'm not in the air, and it's wet and warm and it feels good and I can do this and wow, look at what this does and mommy is here, and its......magic...." They're not thinking, "Okay, gotta keep the legs pumping, move the arms back and forth...." etc. My DS wears the belt for safety, and he's safe and happy and that's all that matters. That's my .02.

HTH!

Kate

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[addiesmom]

My DS is 2.5 and is the SAME way! We've been going over to my neighbor's pool and she has been giving all the moms there little heartattacks! We've tried several of the float suits that they have there in their collection and I just ordered this one for my daughter. http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg...=glance&s=toys It seemed to work the best out of all of them. The ones like this http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg...=glance&s=toys would keep her afloat, but not vertically!

I have the same concerns about a false sense of security, but at least I feel a little more comfortable.