How to compare resorts for non-swimmers
You cannot swim, or someone in your group cannot, and you want an island stay you can enjoy.
To compare resorts when someone cannot swim, look at six things in order: water entry, the pool, life jackets, boat boarding, guided options and the rough-sea plan. No resort can be declared safe by us or anyone else, so use these questions to get written answers instead.
Everyone in the group deserves a relaxed trip, and a good resort will answer clearly. For the wider decision, see our hub guide on how to choose an island resort. The resort inclusion comparator holds the written answers in columns.
What are the six things to compare?
Ask these of every resort and write the answers down. A blank cell means the question is still open.
| Thing | What to ask |
|---|---|
| Water entry | Is the beach gently sloping or does it drop off? Where is the shallow area? |
| Pool | Is there one, how deep, what hours, and are there depth markings? |
| Life jackets | Are they provided, in all sizes, and are they free? |
| Boat boarding | How do guests step on and off, and is help given? |
| Guided activities | Which are suitable with flotation, and who supervises? |
| Rough sea plan | What happens when the sea is too rough for activities or the boat? |
The practical point: the answer you get in writing is your information. A reply that names a time, a place and a person is worth more than a general reassurance.
What do published pages tell us?
Published pages give limited detail, so most of your information will come from your own questions. Rawa Island Resort lists no dedicated kids club, and it states that a shallow house reef and a dive centre teach children and families [1]. That tells you where to start asking, and it is not a promise of suitability for non-swimmers.
On boats, one report quotes the Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency (MMEA) advising operators to provide enough life jackets for all passengers and to respect capacity [2]. The same research did not find the exact official life-jacket rule, so ask each operator what it carries and how many. See our guide on pool access and hours and on a swimming area marked for kids.
How do you ask for water and boat details?
Write short questions that need a specific answer. Send these:
- Where is the shallow area of the beach, and is it marked?
- How deep is the pool, and is it supervised during opening hours?
- Do you carry life jackets for adults and children, and are sizes available?
- How do guests board the boat at the jetty, and is there help for those who cannot swim?
- Which guided activities are suitable for non-swimmers, and with what flotation?
If the resort cannot answer clearly, treat that as unconfirmed. Do not book a water-based activity on trust.
A better fit if…
A resort with a pool and a gentle beach may be a better fit if:
- the non-swimmer is an adult who wants to feel in control.
- there are young children who need a calm, shallow place.
- the written answers on depth and supervision are clear.
A resort with a strong land programme may be a better fit if:
- the non-swimmer prefers walks, food and views to water.
- the water entry drops off quickly and you want to avoid it.
- the boat transfer is short and boarding help is confirmed.
What is the next step?
Choose two resorts and send both the five questions above. Keep the replies together. Our guide on snorkel gear and a resort snorkel house also explains what to ask if the group wants to try a guided snorkel with flotation.
Common questions
Can a non-swimmer enjoy an island resort?
Yes, with some planning. A pool, a shallow beach, a guided activity with a life jacket and a resort that explains its water rules can make the stay relaxed. The right choice depends on written answers, not on a promise that a place is safe.
Should a non-swimmer wear a life jacket on the boat?
It is sensible to ask for one. Ask the operator how many life jackets are carried, whether sizes fit adults and children, and how boarding works at the jetty. Do this before the day of travel, so you are not deciding at the jetty.
Is a resort with a pool better for non-swimmers?
A pool can give a controlled place to enjoy water, but it still needs depth markings and supervision rules. Ask about the pool depth, opening hours and whether children must be accompanied.
Can non-swimmers join snorkel trips?
Some operators offer guided trips with flotation, but we cannot say which. Ask whether the operator offers flotation vests, how the guide supervises, and whether the group can stay near the boat. Treat the answer as a condition of booking.
Sources
- Rawa Island Resort official (accessed 2026-10-16)
- Borneo Post (citing MMEA) (accessed 2026-10-16)