Does your poodle have any doggy buddies that like to swim? Sometimes when a dog sees the other dog jumping into the water and having a great time, it helps them as well. My puppy Kelso was unsure of the waves at our beach, but he saw Lilly jump in and start to swim. He was still a little hesitant and when he saw me calling him and talking happily, he dove in and swam right to me.
I can only echo what everyone else has said as well. Make it fun and enjoyable...
OH, if your dog isn't afraid, you could maybe try buying a raft for him to sit on. My boxer/GSD wasn't too fond of swimming, but he would if I asked him to. I put him on a raft one day and that's usually what he enjoyed doing while I and the other dogs swam. Just a thought
