Sensory issues and nonswimmers

[leebee]

Our 7yo has weird sensory issues and is pretty averse to wearing a life vest in pools but he is a non-swimmer. He struggles with floaties, but manages, but Disney won't allow those in their pools. Does anyone have a suggestion or alternative for the life vest?

 

[Dug720]

Will he wear a rash guard so that the vest won't touch his skin?

Otherwise the only safe option would be whatever splash pad area the resort has available.

 

[HopperFan]

The rash guard or swim shirt is a great idea. Our last visit to Discovery Cove we decided to use the vest to avoid wearing out swimming/snorkling so we wore swim shirts. Huge difference. That might be the difference between wearing life vest or not.

Other wise I'd just tell him life vest or one of the adults has to stay with him at all times in the pool. I have a kid with high sensory issues and sometimes it is just black and white, and he makes the choice. Sometimes he picks what he doesn't like but he wants what comes with it bad enough.

 

[Kooks and Bay Bay]

Agree rash guard.
Also you could look for a life jacket that is more comfortable for him.
I would have struggled with arm floaties as I'd feel like they were squeezing me.
I grow up in the time of the bubble back floater.

 

[lanejudy]

Have you checked out PuddleJumpers? It’s not a full vest and has the arm bands he’s familiar with. But I’m not sure how large they come, if big enough for a 7-yr-old. Make sure whatever you get for him is USCG approved.