How to get rid of my son’s floaty

My 5 year old son has been spoiled by the floaty for too long, and now he wouldn’t get into a pool without one, and I don’t see how he can ever learn to swim if I don’t get rid of it. He is still not able to submerge his head in the water. Any water splashed to his face would cause a tantrum. I appreciate any idea to help him get rid of the floaty and adapt to water.

Swim lessons. Let the professionals deal with all his quirks.

Signed a former swim instructor.

@JAMOH This. Also, be prepared for your kid to freak out at swim lessons. Best to wait in the car if the freak outs upset you.

Signed parent of a kid that would freak out doing back floats.

Swim lessons. I feel like other options would risk his safety and comfort in the water.

Situations like your son’s is why we highly discourage any floatation device other than a lifejacket, and even then, they should be in swim lessons and have the lifejacket used sparingly.

It took a year for my daughter to submerge; her grandma taught her in 5 mins. Kids often learn faster from others.

Please consider swim lessons for him; tantrums are normal during change. Support him and reward progress

Swim lessons, introduce showers at home