I think the best way to tell if he reall likes it is to make it his choice. My mom's yard has a sandy area for the kids to play in. One time they made a moat(you know land in the middle and water around it) Well they wanted a pic of gizmo in there sand castle so we put him in the middle thinking he wouldn't go near the water. Well, he started to do laps. He would go into the center when he was tired and latter go and do more laps. After we found out he liked the water we took him to our pool. As long as they are not forced to swim and always have some where they can stop and rest I think it is ok.