Boating with a baby? - Page 2

[TinyFrog]

I think the type of boat and the body of water need to be taken into consideration here.  I see very little mention of these details yet the "You MUST do xyz" type of statements are being thrown about.

[butterflylover]

I still don't agree. If you know your water conditions, if you know how to handle any emergency that comes up, if you are prepared and knowledgeable, you do not need to wear a lifejacket constantly on a boat. Driving and boating are completely different. If you know how to boat and you are familiar with your waters then you won't have any problems. People boat here in the Gulf of Mexico without lifejackets. Only the tourists where them. If you can't swim you aren't even allowed on our water crafts. My husband and I are both lifeguard certified and certified in CPR/first aid. Boating is only dangerous if you make it that way. 

[childsplay]

Yes, and it also depends on the boat. If I'm in a canoe or kayak I'd wear a lifejacket, but when we're in our sportfish or sailboats most times I won't. But....these are also huge boats, not likely to just flip over for no reason, or sink instantly. If the weather's bad, or if it's night and we're on deck we wear them though.  And the kids don't set foot on the dock, much less the boat without one on.

Originally Posted by butterflylover 

I still don't agree. If you know your water conditions, if you know how to handle any emergency that comes up, if you are prepared and knowledgeable, you do not need to wear a lifejacket constantly on a boat. Driving and boating are completely different. If you know how to boat and you are familiar with your waters then you won't have any problems. People boat here in the Gulf of Mexico without lifejackets. Only the tourists where them. If you can't swim you aren't even allowed on our water crafts. My husband and I are both lifeguard certified and certified in CPR/first aid. Boating is only dangerous if you make it that way. 

[loraxc]

I see very little mention of these details yet the "You MUST do xyz" type of statements are being thrown about.

The person who said no lifejackets were needed in her family mentioned canoeing and kayaking...that's a detail. I admit that I am not familiar with the finer points of larger sport boats and whether PFDs are always considered necessary, and I am certainly aware that one doesn't wear a lifejacket on a giant ferry, but canoe, kayak?? Lifejacket all the way. I always wear one and I swim extremely well. As has been mentioned, a whack on the head is always possible.

[loraxc]

Only the tourists where them

And this attitude just seems to be one of bravado or lifejackets not looking "cool" or something.

[philomom]

Originally Posted by loraxc 

Only the tourists where them

And this attitude just seems to be one of bravado or lifejackets not looking "cool" or something.

I agree. I'd rather be razzed for looking like a tourist than to place my child's life on the line for something preventable.