[JessieBird]

We plan to move to a bigger house in the next 6-18 months. We live in a rural/forested community bordered by a gorgeous calm river and I can't resist looking at houses on the water for the view and the activity potential - swimming and canoeing/sailing in summer and skating in the winter. But I'm really torn about the safety of raising young kids around water that can't easily be fenced or blocked off (depending on the landscape, it is possible that a fence could be errected in some cases). My children will be approx 3 and 1 when we make this move.<br><br>
Would you consider waterfront property for your full-time home?

 

[marsupial-mom]

Given the child's ages I'd want a fence of some sort, but definitely I'd consider waterfront property!<br><br>
We have a pool in my community and it's fenced off, as required by law. I think that's a good law. But I also think it's important for adults to supervise, to know first aid and CPR, and for adults to be confident swimmers. That is, if I didn't know how to swim and I didn't know CPR, I'd learn those things before buying a home on the water.

 

[philomom]

I have teens now so it would be okay. I wouldn't have done it if I had little kids. The water is strong magnet for one of mine.

 

[Peony]

I lived on a large river until I was 10, it was our backyard, fencing was not an option because of the landscape. As soon as we could walk, my mom had us in swim lessons, we were all swimming by the time we were 3-4. Fear was also installed into us from a young age, we were never ever allowed anywhere near the water or docks without a parent present, and we knew that and always obeyed. I think it is doable but precautions certainly have to be taken.

 

[Mama Mko]

I would only do it if it could be fenced. Drowning happens way too fast for me to be comfortable with unfenced water.

 

[purplevega]

A friend of my mother's lost her youngest son in a drowning a few years ago to a pool with a fence around it. The fence was left open. Because of this we do not have a pool, but we do live on a large canal. We have a fence with a chain and lock around it. We have not had any problems with the boys going over the fense, but as the PP stated we have instilled fear to our children that they are to never go over the fence without mom or dad. Plus we started swim lesson with both at 6 months old. So I say if you can fence it and provide swimming lessons now do it. Just know that you will always have to be on high alert and never leave your gate open.<br><br>
Kim

 

[devon]

I would not. My kids (especially my 3 year old) is very inquisitive and mischevious and can find a way around most anything. He is also drawn to water. We just were looking for houses and as nice as some were, we immediately canceled them out that were on lakes/ponds/rivers. Even if our yard was fenced, if they got out of our house (say the front door) they could easily get to the water through another neighbor. We have a 1,3, and 5 year old (boys).

 

[lunarlady]

I would say that I would, but it sounds like I'm a minority. I see a river/lake/water as about the same level of hazard as a busy street, train track, or other hazard. Yes, I would have to change my parenting style, and not allow kids outside unsupervised, but I think it can be done.<br><br>
I summered in a lake house every year of my life, from birth to age 12, so I remember the rules well (No going near the dock/water/boats without a lifevest, parent must know if you are going near the water, etc.) I loved the water, and thought it was wonderful. Still do.

 

[limette]

No to a river, yes to a lake.<br><br>
We have a tiny creek behind our house and it floods every year. It never quite gets to our yard but it ruins our neighbour's (who are lower) gardens every time. During flooding their is always garden furniture floating down the creek.<br><br>
I'm be really concerned about flooding next to a river. I'm actually looking at houses myself and took one off my list because it's right across the street from one.

 

[Super~Single~Mama]

Yes! I definitely would, but I would make sure that the proper safety precautions can be made (fences, etc). I grew up in a waterfront home, and babysat for a many a small child while living in that house! Close supervision is necessary, and swim lessons are an absolute must (not as a substitute for supervision, but as an addition to it), and it was really no big deal.

 

[mamadelbosque]

Another vote for probably not next to a river/large stream simply because of flooding, but absolutely next to a pond/lake. I'd have to adjust parenting a bit (no littles outside w/o direct supervision), but I'd love it - I love to swim & boat & fish <img alt="" class="inlineimg" src="http://www.mothering.com/discussions/images/smilies/smile.gif" style="border:0px solid;" title="smile"><img alt="" class="inlineimg" src="http://www.mothering.com/discussions/images/smilies/smile.gif" style="border:0px solid;" title="smile">

 

[new2this]

Yes I would but would be more worried about flooding if it was a river.

 

[JessieBird]

Thanks everyone! I was expecting across the board nos.<br><br>
I hadn't thought about flooding but it isn't a concern for any of the houses that we've been looking at. In fact, I don't think it's a concern here at all. I grew up in the area and though we have high water years, I don't think we've ever had anything that would be considered a flood. Very few homes are built right at the water's edge, most are set quite far back (at least 50 feet I'd guess) with considerable sloped lawn/woods in between. The banks are moderately steep too - not so steep that you could fall down a cliff into the water or anything, but we're not a flood plain or valley bottom. Something to think about though. May mean higher insurance rates even if damage is a once in a hundred years kind of occurence.

 

[akcowgirl]

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<div>Originally Posted by <strong>lunarlady</strong> <a href="/community/forum/post/15390587"><img alt="View Post" class="inlineimg" src="/community/img/forum/go_quote.gif" style="border:0px solid;"></a></div>
<div style="font-style:italic;">I summered in a lake house every year of my life, from birth to age 12, so I remember the rules well (No going near the dock/water/boats without a lifevest, parent must know if you are going near the water, etc.) I loved the water, and thought it was wonderful. Still do.</div>
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<img alt="" class="inlineimg" src="/img/vbsmilies/smilies/yeahthat.gif" style="border:0px solid;" title="yeah that"> I grew up on the water in a community that you had to take a boat to and boats were the only travel options. There was 6 of us kids from different families and we all knew the rules. You had to wear a life jacket till you could prove you could swim so far without one, parents had to you where you were, and so on. We all took swim lessons starting from about the time we could walk almost and we all knew general boat and water safety. I would not hesitate.

 

[katiesk]

yep! i definitely would!

 

[elmh23]

yes, if it could be fenced off and then i'd make sure that there was always an adult with them when outside until they were older (not sure how old though.)

 

[Katie T]

I chose no, never. I lost my childhood home that my dad built to a flood. I would also be too worried of my children/grandchildren sneaking away and drowning.

 

[DahliaRW]

I would. But I would make sure that all exits to the home were very childproof and only allow my LO outside with close supervision.

 

[leighi123]

I voted yes, but ONLY b/c ds has taken ISR swimming lessons, I wouldnt do it otherwise.

 

[lonegirl]

The property my husband grew up on has 2 huge ponds and a pool...well his gran passed away and we will be moving there. Whenever we go there I remind Ds about the importance of never going near the water without a grownup. He is very cautious of it and reminds me of not going by the water lol.