we've gone and still do go through phases like this with DS1- who's almost 3yo. DS2- who's 15months is also still not a fan of laying back either- actually he is worse then DS1. I do have one of those bucket things with the rubber on forehead- though my boys won't tilt there head back enough, so still end up with water on their face. Most of the time i lay them back still, and i sing twinkle, twinkle little star- like we do at swimming lessons. If DS1 won't lay back (which is very rare) i'll tell him i'll have to tip water over his head instead. He'll usually lay back without question then. I'm hoping DS2 will just get use to it soon, which i think he already is anyway- its usually just sooking now instead of tantrum tears a couple of months ago- but its all over and done with of laying him back within a 5-10seconds- quicker then tipping water over the head.