your gut instinct puts the kid's safety first - i would trust that over everything else.

Yes, ex SHOULD buy life jackets for them himself, but when and if he does this - the girls need to be safe NOW, not when he "gets around to buying safety equipment".

Good idea to get on well with the ex's new fiance, i hope that goes well (into the future too).

i hear you on the cost of swimming lessons, (let alone times three).