Will Your Kids Welcome the Water Lifestyle

FLORIDA LIFESTYLE

WILL

WEE

YOUR LITTLEONES

WELCOME WATER SPORTS?

Staff Report

Water sports are a way of life on Florida coasts for both locals and vacationers. For families, fun in the Florida sun improves greatly when children are taught to respect the water, understand the potential dangers, and practice safety procedures. Better Off Wet compiled a list of tips to help your children become comfortable, capable, and confident enthusiasts.

For a child to embrace his or her parents’ love of water sports, it helps, of course, if they like the water. The process can begin very early. But don’t rush it too soon. Usually benign lake, river and ocean pathogens pose threats to fragile infant immune systems.

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When on the water, safety first is the rule.

Formal introductions to swimming can begin as early as six months of age. “Water babies” techniques stress basic survival skills such as floating and grabbing the poolside that can save a life. Parents also learn an important lesson—babies can swallow lots of water during these classes. Also, come prepared with extra waterproof pampers. Around 3-4 years of age, swim classes help tots become more comfortable in the water and teach basic swimming skills, but stay within an arm’s length of toddlers when in or near water. It’s likely to take a few more years before they become good swimmers.

Sparking kids’ interests in the great outdoor Florida waterways can include a variety of activities that stimulate imagination and foster fascination. Coloring books, toy boats, movies like Finding Nemo, and trips to an aquarium can encourage eager appetites. Books

about marine life that help kids identify specific marine species are instructive which enables them to appreciate native plants and animals and to identify and avoid jellyfish, eels, and other critters.

Safety is the first rule when on the water. Life jackets are not only a good idea on the water but are required by law when boating. Learn about how to properly fit children with life vests, critical to their safety, by visiting the U.S. Coast Guard site at www.coastguardfoundation.org. While children should wear life vests at all times, it’s a good idea to teach them how to don and secure vests in the event of an unexpected emergency.

Any responsible boat skipper knows the potential hazards of boating, so pass knowledge on to your youngsters, and orient them to water sports carefully.

Set specific rules. Explain the reasons for these rules to help them understand and comply. A young mind absorbs content like a sponge soaking up knowledge. Take the opportunity to teach them safe and responsible behavior on the water.

Enlist older children as deck mates. Involvement in activities teaches skills they’ll use later as adults. Let them help with tasks such as dropping boat fenders or “tying off.” Practice safety measures such as “man overboard” drills, and involve kids in drill activities such as tossing a life ring. Teach them to tie knots; a skill that comes in handy for fishing and boating.

Speaking of fishing: a great way to introduce kids to fishing is to outfit them with kid-friendly gear. Look for no-tangle rods and reels, plastic safety hooks, and fish and cartoon characters sponge

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lures. All are great fun for fledgling fisherman to help avoid the frustration of tangled lines and keeps it safe. Young ones often have little patience for fishing, so plan other activities to make the adventure enjoyable.

When it’s time for older children to try their hand at boating, paddle boarding, or kayaking on their own, you’ll be much more confident in their independent abilities if you’ve instilled best practices concerning water safety and common sense. Take the extra step to enroll them in Certified-Instructor training. They will learn a lot about technique and safety, and you’ll enjoy greater peace of mind knowing they’ve received the best training. Before you hand them the wheel of a motorized boat, know that in Florida, any motorboat operator born after January 1, 1988 requires a boating safety class; something everyone can benefit from. There is no minimum age requirement, and anyone, including out-ofstate visitors, can take it online at: http://www.boatus.org/florida/ or https://www.boat-ed.com/florida/.

At 8 years old her father said she is the youngest girl to have a record in 2 lb line class! The Better Off Wet Crew had the pleasure of going fishing with her father Mike. We commend the Shramko family for sharing the beautiful Florida outdoors with us!

Better Off Wet Magazine regularly brings you updated information about boating, fishing, safety, local events, classified sales, and all things marine for your Florida waterways’ enjoyment. Stay current with your free subscription. Get it today and don’t forget: you’re Better Off Wet.

Water sports, like other activities, require certain skill sets that develop with guidance, coaching, and, of course, the added element of safety instruction. Keep your expectations aligned with your kids’ physical capabilities and maturity levels. Keep them actively involved to learn how to safely enjoy a lifetime of enjoyment on Florida waterways’ wonderland.

Photos courtesy of: Patrice Shramko

Even though Lauren Shramko is only 8 years old, she currently holds 5 IGFA Women’s Line Class World Records (Butterfly Peacock 2 lb, 4 lb, 6 lb, 16 lb, and 20 lb Line Class).

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