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The quick answer
At four, a float suit or vest with removable floats works well: take floats out one at a time as they get braver. A sleeved float suit suits chilly UK beaches, and a flat-packing vest suits holidays. Swim aids are not life jackets, so stay within arm's reach.
Four is that in-between age: too big for armbands, not quite swimming alone. A float suit or vest with removable floats lets you take away support bit by bit as they get braver. On boats, it's a proper life jacket every time.
Splash About Sleeved Floatsuit
Splash About Go Splash Swim Vest
Questions parents ask
Float suit or swim vest?
A sleeved float suit adds sun and wind protection for UK beaches. A vest packs flat for holidays. Both let you remove floats bit by bit.
Is a swim aid the same as a life jacket?
No. Stay within arm's reach in the water, and use a proper life jacket or buoyancy aid on boats.
When should I take the floats out?
One at a time, as they get more confident. There's no rush.