Fishing Frenzy

People often ask me about the best ways to introduce their children to personal watercraft. My answer is always the same. I think it is best to introduce children to personal watercraft as early as possible and as often as possible and as interactively as possible. With safety in mind, children and personal watercraft go perfectly together.

Children of any age can be introduced to swimming. However, it's best to wait until your child is 3 or 4 before introducing them to personal watercrafts.After age 3 or 4 most children can remember certain routines and safety rules which will make their experience more enjoyable.

Of course it's a given that you must have a fitted, safety-approved lifejacket for your child. Make sure that it suits the age and weight of your child, so the extra safety features such as straps and neck supports are available. Make certain that your child wears his life vest any time he is close to water, not only when they are in the water or on the pwc. You should always wear your pwc as a reinforcing good example.

If you have other boats available, such as a pedal boat or a canoe, you could introduce your child to non-motorized boats before bringing them out on your seadoo. Make sure the water isn't rough and there isn't too much wind. Often a windy day can cause children to not enjoy their experience out on the water. When your child is in the boat, talk about the rules of being in boats. Always sit down in the boat, no jumping or running or sudden shifts in weight. You can also give them a science lesson about what is making the boat move through the water, and how you turn the boat.

Try to make watercraft safety fun and interesting. Make your child feel a sense of responsibility about the rules of watercraft safety. Compliment your child on how responsible and mature they are being with respect to the rules of watercraft safety. Teach your child about the importance of life jackets and the laws regarding boating. Teach them about the different safety equipment, such as noise makers and bailers, that must be brought on boat trips. Give your child a small chore that they must take responsibility for. Perhaps they can bring the life jackets from the boat house.

Bringing your child with you on the water for your pwc rides can be great fun for both you and your child. It is a perfect family activity, and a great way to spend summer time at the cottage. Just make sure to introduce your child to pwcs when they are ready, and continue to repeat the safety lessons every time you go out, so that they realize the importance of keeping safety a priority when it comes to boats and water.