Boating with kids helps instill a love of nature and teaches
valuable outdoor skills. It’s one of life’s greatest
joys. With that pleasure comes an awesome responsibility –
keeping them safe. Kids are curious, spontaneous and carefree.
They don’t give much thought to their safety so it’s
up to you to do that for them. They can learn safety practices
but that takes time and it takes vigilance on your part to make
sure they’re doing the right things.
Life Jackets
Photo: Keli Keach |
This is the most important safety gear
for any boater, but especially for kids. PFDs designed for
young people are sized by weight range instead of the chest
measurements used in adult models. Kid’s growing bodies
are so variable – one 60-pounder may be a tall, skinny
beanpole, while another may be short and stocky. Chose a
PFD that fits their body well. It’s unsafe to choose
one with a sloppy fit that they’ll “grow into”.
They’ll probably need several different sizes over
the years. Don’t skimp on this; it’s a wise
investment in their safety.
Snug all the adjustment points, starting with the lowest
one and working up. Then check for the proper fit by picking
the child up by the shoulders of the jacket. If the fit
is right, the child’s chin and ears won’t slip
through. Some jackets come with leg straps that help prevent
ride-up. We’ve put together the Kids
PFD Reference Guide to help in finding the best jacket
for your youngster. When you’ve gotten a good fitting
life jacket, make sure they wear it! Insist they have it
on any time they’re on the water or playing around
the shore. You can’t watch them every minute and it
only takes that long for them to get into trouble. |
Apparel Protection
Young bodies get cold. Protect them with layers appropriate for
the conditions. Synthetic fabrics are best, avoid cotton. More
and
more outdoor apparel pieces are being sized for kids. You can find
wetsuits, base layers and waterproof outer layers that will
fit
them. Same for helmets, insulated footwear and gloves. And don’t
forget warm hats, the head is a major source of heat loss. Protect
their fragile feet by having them wear shoes when on the water
or playing in camp.
Sun Protection
We know now that over-exposure to the sun’s harmful rays in
childhood can lead to skin cancer in later years. Apply water-resistant
sunscreen early and often. Many outdoor apparel pieces now come
in a weave that gives excellent sun protection. Look for garments
that have an SPF or UPF rating of 30 or higher.
Brimmed hats offer good shielding for face and
ears. If they’re wearing a ball cap style of hat, don’t
forget to apply sunscreen to the tops of ears. Also, good quality
sunglasses protect the eyes from the dangerous glare that comes
off the water.
Critter Care
The outdoors has all kinds of stinging, biting insects and animals.
Teach children to watch where they walk and put their hands. In
areas with poisonous snakes, extra care needs to be taken to educate
kids on how to avoid encounters with these dangerous reptiles. Insect
repellents can keep the bugs at bay. Choose ones made for kids’
sensitive skin. It’s a good idea to pack a children’s
antihistamine in your medical kit in case of adverse reactions to
bug bites or bee stings. If your child has a bad reaction, consult
your doctor for future treatments.
If poison ivy/oak grows where you boat, teach them
how to recognize it. If they do come in contact, wash quickly with
soapy water. Remember that if pets run through the plants, kids
can pick up the oils from their fur.
Boating Dos and Don’ts
Explain to your child what to do in case of accident or upset while
on the water. Going over possible scenarios will build their confidence
and help them react correctly to an emergency. When planning to
take your children on a stretch of water, think of the worst things
that could happen. Can you and your children handle those worst-case
emergencies? If the answer is no, choose different water to boat.
Exposing them to situations they can’t handle is unsafe and
can lead to bad experiences that will set back their outdoor education.
|
Never tie a child into a boat; in the event
of an upset they’ll be trapped. In a raft have them
sit next to an adult who can hold onto them or help them hold
on through any rapids. If they’re in their own kayak
or IK, have them stay close to other experienced boaters and
upstream of a rescue boat in moving river waters. Make sure
they wear a helmet.
A great training tool for river boaters is
to find a Class I stretch of water without any dangers below.
Make a “game” out of having them float through
the gentle waves on their backs, feet downstream. Practice
tossing them the throw rope and pulling them to shore. They’ll
have a blast while you’re teaching them valuable skills.
|
Photo: David Blue |
Have Fun
Boating’s a great family activity and it’s fun! Make
it safe for your kids and you’ll be preparing them for a lifetime
love of the outdoors.
Check out the Kids
Gear page for great choices on outfitting your young boaters.
|
