I'm worried about something happening and his friends drowning trying to help.

If you're concerned about swimming with epilepsy, just find a partner to swim with, same with skiing, mountain climbing etc.

I'm 62, swim several times a week at gym, indoor heated pool. Do not use vest. I can swim well.

I have partial seizures &have been swimming I generally know that morning that I'm starting a rough day ,so don't go.One time I went to the changing rooms &began to feel I'll.I had enough awareness to turn around ,go down to the bus station ,use my bus pass &got home ok.When I was diagnosed 40+years ago ,I used to have. Tonic/clinics occasionally I used to ask the lifeguard if he'd check on me every now &again.Ive really missed swimming during civic They've closed my local pool ,the other is 2buses away

It depends which strokes in the water you are wanting to do and how efficiently. Are you looking for the life jackets for swimming ability, or only the epilepsy? If either of you are fairly ok swimmers and it's just the epilepsy that is holding you back I would say you dont need the life jacket even if it may seem scary. I have epilepsy, and I am a certified lifeguard and swim instructor. And employed. As long as you guys know a head of time if you feel something is coming, and you know your bodies. or if you want the reassurance of someone else being there to help if something is needed. In my opinion life jackets for trying to swim laps will only cause a fear of the water to develop. People should have respect of the water but it isn't a great thing to have a total fear. ( I have seen it In the people I have taught, as well as myself when I wasn't sure of myself in the water) As far as types of lifejackets go, all lifejackets will keep you floating and above water so you can swim with them, it will be difficult, cause you can't go under water as well, and it causes restrictions with body movement.