Hellobee Boards

For that age the only swim diapers I could find were reusable ones online in size small. The white iplay was so much easier than the cute ones because it has all snaps on one side. My LO hasn't pooped in it, but a friend on mine's LO has and it contained the poop

Ditto on the swim diapers.

Two things we did that helped:

1) Gradually bob her into the water, submerging a bit more of her body with each bob. E took swim lessons, and the instructor told us that doing this helps to let their bodies get used to the water pressure gradually, so it's not such a shock.

2) Kept him held very close to our chest.

E didn't like his first swimming experience, but he LOVES being in the water now, so don't be discouraged if your E doesn't like it at first.

ETA: He loved it when we sang "Wheels on the Bus" during his lessons. For lines like "Children on the bus go up and down" we'd raise him in and out of the water, and for "doors go open and shut" we'd push him a foot or two away from us (holding him under the elbows) and then back to us.

Swimming with them can be so much fun! I would suggest some toys (I am sure the pool has some), swim diapers, a floaty device like a boat, and limiting it to a short period at first (30 mins). Also expect some crying once they get out of the pool and get changed and possibly getting pee'd on in the process! Oh and try not the rush the getting changed thing, panicing seemed to make it worse

@Cherrybee: This is the one we have! http://www.mothercare.com/Mothercare-Baby-Swim-Seat-%283-12-Months%29/396118,default,pd.html#q=Swim%20seat

But yes, we do need to meet up again before we move home! I need to meet Miss E!

One great piece of advice my lifeguard/swim coach friend gave me was not to react strongly if something happens that could be scary (splashed in the face, water up the nose, face plant in the water, etc) so they don't learn that water is scary.

I bought a reusable swim diaper at asda...

No advice but I'm so excited for her first swim! I hope she likes it!