sturdy, visible, easy to use

I either didn't read the product description carefully or it wasn't clear....I was buying this product as a gift for my husband, and he was looking for something that would mechanically "count" his laps for him.  He wanted a product that when he reached the side of the pool, he could simply "hit" with his hands, and the counter would move forward.  This product requires more of a manual move to keep track of the laps.  I will be returning both products and looking for something else.