Teaching a child to swim, getting past using a 'float vest'?

Question

I am teaching a 2 and a half year old boy to swim. We go almost weekly to the pool and he does very well wearing a floatation vest. In the vest, he kick himself around in deep water and will jump (assisted) into the pool.

However, I am not sure how to get past using the vest. I feel he has become dependent on the vest and may be promoting some bad habits (for example, he does a 'walking kick' to move around in deep water, rather than a butterfly kick). I am having a hard time teaching him the things he needs to know, like holding his breath, taking breaths above water, using his hands and feet together to wade, etc. I have been trying to get him away from the vest, but he really struggles without it (he sinks like a stone).

One note, the boy is delayed due to neglect from his biological parents. He is not 'disabled', but his comprehension is more like that of a 24 month old (6-12 months behind).

Any ideas on how to get him swimming would be great.

Answer 1

get a proffesinoal teacher ik know it may not be what your thinking but there is always something soothing to a child ti know that this teacher is trained and know what they are doing. Besides they can make sure there are no mistakes in what you are teaching your child. going rates for teachers are about 20 dollors for half an hour if its a private lesson ( i think you would bennifit from that the most) check with yoour locol pool for a list of certified teachers

good luck with whatever you chose to do!

Answer 2

He s 2 1/2 !!! If you put him is siwmming lesson the don't take the life jackets off until level Two or three which is when their five!
Does he even know how to swim or does he just kickicking around ! A two yaer old shgouldn't have to know much more than doggy paddle, and even then with a life jacket!

Answer 3

That's why you never use a vest- they get dependent on them