We just got back. DD 9 can kind of swim - but I don't have confidence in her abilities in deep water. DD 7 can't swim. Both wore life jackets for the dolphin swim, and switched back and forth between wet suit vests and life jackets for the rest of the day. Half of the dolphin swim is in waist deep water and half is in deep water. DD 7 did not want to go in deep water and they said they could do a boomerang ride or whatever they call it. Talk to the trainer about it.
You meet the dolphin in shallow water first, then half of the group goes into deep water - in our case it was another family of 4. The dolphin spends time with the group in deep water and comes back to shore and spends time with that group, and kind of goes back and forth. Then the dolphin gives the group in deep water each a ride back to shore. Then the groups switch. By that time we were able to convince DD 7 to come out to deep water and she was completely comfortable with it. But if they don't want to go in the deep water they don't have to. Although I cannot tell you what the other ride is like.
Anyone can use a life jacket, they have children's and adult sizes. And you shouldn't hesitate to use them. Be comfortable. I saw many children and many adults with them too. They tell you that they are available when you get your snorkel, it is no big deal. I see posts all the time about the wet suits keeping you buoyant. This is true, but the life jacket makes a big difference for a non swimmer, you won't sink. And there were a lot of them being used, so don't worry about "standing out" or anything.
Now, if you want to try snorkeling in the other areas, you will find that the life jacket keeps you too afloat, so stick to shallow areas where you can stand up and use the wet suit vest instead.
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