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Tips for making sure a fun trip to the lake is safe |
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Tuesday, June 30 2009 |
We all like to take our kids out for a day on the water or at the lake. 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 or PFD’s, 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.
Apparel
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. 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.
Take the kids out but explain the things they need to know in a manner they will understand. Take time to stop and let them look at things, explore and truly learn to appreciate the outdoors. So now until next week keep what you will eat and release the rest to fight again.
Mike Harber
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Last Updated ( Saturday, July 04 2009 )
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