As the mother of two little ones, this is a topic that is always on my mind. The grief of burying a child is a pain that no one should ever have to realize. Even as I type these words, my heart is aching for those of you who have, in fact, lived out this nightmare.
When I decided to write this, my first plan of attack was to compile a list of products that would make child safety easier. After I made quick work of this, I started to picture my 3-year-old harnessed to all of this equipment and realized that not only would she not be able to move, but she would probably sink directly to the bottom of the lake. My mind wandered to the time I spent with the Johnson family (you can read the awesome story that came of that outing on page 24). They own a beautiful home right on Table Rock Lake in Missouri, maybe 100 yards from the bank. As we were walking down to the dock where they keep their G3 Sun Catcher, I asked family matriarch Willa Johnson if she was ever concerned about the location of the house with her four grandkids often there for a visit.
“Our kids know the rules,” she replied. “From the time they started crawling, we have taught them the importance of safety around the water. They don’t come in the backyard, even just to play, without a lifejacket.”
In a moment of serendipitous perfect, 5-year-old Isabel came bounding down the stairs and immediately grabbed her lifejacket from the hook, slapped it on and took off after the family pet. No badgering. No nagging reminder. Just a 5-year-old who was equipped with knowledge and a standard issue life jacket. Yes, there was some buzz about her being the only one allowed to wear the purple lifejacket. But, hey, when you’re the only sister in a family of boys, you’re allowed to put dibs on the purple vest. That’s just the way it goes.
When it comes to water safety, be open with your kids about the dangers. Don’t create a lifetime fear of the water by throwing scary facts and statistics at them. Instead keep an open dialogue, complete with your own consistent reinforcement, so that they know what you expect and why. If you always wear a life jacket, then it will become the family standard in the eyes of your little one. Creating these water safety guidelines that become second nature will benefit each of you in the long run. Plus, when you teach them to be responsible for themselves, they have a life-long skill to draw from.
Please don’t get me wrong. There are products out there that are truly life-saving. I have compiled a list of these truly simple items that could mean the difference between life and death on your next boat excursion.
A Bright Swimsuit.
There’s a reason that lifejackets are bright. It’s so you can see them better, even in murky water. Apply that logic to your child’s swimsuit even if they are swimming in a filtered pool and especially if you are going to be on a lake. Pastels and other light colors will blend in more with the water and don’t create the visual loudness that human eyes naturally respond to.
Overton’s has a ton of great lifejackets that are fun for kids and Coast Guard-approved. Orange and yellow life vests work just as well, but there is something a little more exciting for my 6-year-old when she slaps on the pink jacket with the purple face. If it works the same way yet makes it more fun so kids are excited to do it, then why not? Overton’s also carries the Sea Squirts Vest which makes your child look like the clown fish Nemo. The vest has a unique flexible dorsal fin design attached to the back that gives a fish-like appearance, but also is a sturdy grip for helping retrieve them from the water. It comes with a crotch strap and durable neoprene construction with tech fabric liner and heavy-duty plastic zipper and buckles. Suggested retail price is $54.99 at www.overtons.com.
The Safety Turtle
We have written about this product before, but I think it’s worth mentioning one more time. The Safety Turtle is a personal wireless alarm system in a wristband that is designed in the shape of a colorful turtle to be worn on the child's wrist. The wristband instantly detects immersion in water and sends a radio signal to a base station in the boat, sounding a loud alarm. It retails for $226 at www.safetyturtle.com.
PTMEdge
Part of keeping your kiddos safe is being prepared yourself. We all know families who have been affected by thoughtless mistakes of others. PTMEdge is a great company that is committed to fewer boating accidents. It’s newest VR100 HD panoramic mirror is now available and allows the captain to maintain a 100 degree rear field of view, without having to turn around. The PRO model provides seamless 360-degree control of the craft and maximizes safety while under way.
Instilling a love for boating at a young age is an awesome thing. But doing it safely is even more important. Let’s make it a point to give something back by inspiring a young person to be safe on the water.
