Many cottagers wonder how and when they should start taking their child on their pwc. I think the earlier the better, so that the child becomes accustomed to your seadoo and doesn't develop a fear of it, but there are some general rules of thumb that you can follow so you know your child is ready to go on a pwc.
The only caveat to the above is likely children under the age of three. In most cases children under the age of three should likely stay away from PWC as they wouldn't get much from the experience. But once they hit their third birthday, watch out!
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.
An easy way to introduce your child to personal watercraft is through a canoe. Choose a calm day. Place the child on the bottom of the canoe just in front of the stern paddler. As you start to paddle explain to the child how pushing the water backwards with the paddle makes the canoe propel forwards. Gently show the child how leaning in one direction tips the canoe towards that direction. Talk about the importance of staying balanced in the canoe.
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.
The only caveat to the above is likely children under the age of three. In most cases children under the age of three should likely stay away from PWC as they wouldn't get much from the experience. But once they hit their third birthday, watch out!
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.
An easy way to introduce your child to personal watercraft is through a canoe. Choose a calm day. Place the child on the bottom of the canoe just in front of the stern paddler. As you start to paddle explain to the child how pushing the water backwards with the paddle makes the canoe propel forwards. Gently show the child how leaning in one direction tips the canoe towards that direction. Talk about the importance of staying balanced in the canoe.
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.
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You can find more resources for pwcs, including how to find seadoo covers online, and other personal water craft articles and information by visiting this great website.
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