Water Safety |
Marypat and I sought out waves and rapids before we had toddling passengers, but white water is the kind of paddling thrill we avoid when we travel as a family. Safety is a top concern on trips with the kids. By planning thoroughly, you can make sure things go smoothly. For a complete list of safety tips, call the Canadian Recreational Canoeing Association at 613-269-2910 or log onto their website.
GETTING YOURSELF READY
Even for short outings, parents need to be competent swimmers before they consider family water trips. It's also helpful to know basic first aid and to practice classic canoe strokes prior to a family outing. Outdoor stores can provide information on clinics, books and videos, and paddling clubs.
PREPARING YOUR CHILD
Before they try canoeing, kids should be good swimmers and feel comfortable in and near the water. One way to get ready is to swim together as a family, or have picnics along lakeshores and riverbanks. It's also helpful to borrow life jackets before a trip and head for a local swimming hole so kids can get used to the feel of them. If you live near a slow-moving river, try swimming with the kids in the current. Teach them to bob downstream on their backs--feet forward to fend off obstacles. Everyone on board should wear boat sandals or slip-on water shoes (available at discount stores) to protect their feet.
CHOOSING THE RIGHT WATER
When you're just starting out, pick small, protected lakes or slow-moving rivers that are free of obstacles. Large lakes can get dangerously rough if a wind whips up, and fast current is tricky until you hone your paddling skills. Easy water, however, allows you to concentrate on having fun and practicing your technique. Again, I want to emphasize that if you have any hesitation about a body of water, do not set out in the canoe.
LIFE JACKETS
Life jackets are the boating equivalent of seat belts. They are absolutely essential for everyone, even on the shortest trip. For kids under age ten, life jackets should feature a leg loop strap that prevents the vest from slipping over their heads, along with adequate flotation for their weight range (this information should be printed on the vest). Kids under age five should wear jackets with head-flap flotation as well. Adjust the jackets so they fit comfortably even when cinched up snug. Wherever the shoreline has swift current or a sudden drop-off, kids should wear life jackets on land, too.
BUGS, BURNS, AND OTHER BUMMERS
Sunburn is a real threat on water trips, so wear sunscreen, bring lightweight long-sleeved shirts, and keep hats on heads (we like the hats with flaps of fabric that hang down to protect bare necks). On several excursions, we've brought umbrellas for shade and a lightweight tarp to rig as a sun shelter at lunch or in camp.
Kids are also vulnerable to cold, wet conditions, since they don't have the body mass of adults. Pack some warm hats and mittens for them in a waterproof bag. Mosquitoes, biting flies, and other insects gravitate to waterways. Although bugs usually aren't too bothersome on the water, when you're on shore, long-sleeved shirts help the cause. To combat bugs, apply kid-friendly repellent and avoid taking trips in the height of bug season.
STORMY WEATHER
As a rule, stay close to shore on open water, even if it adds to your paddling distance. If wind and waves come up, you can quickly get to land or paddle in more protected water. If waves do catch you in the open, angle the boat to face them and avoid getting hit broadside. In rough or turbulent water, the best thing you can do to stabilize your boat is to kneel in it. Your paddle in the water has something of an outrigger effect, so keep stroking steadily, angling toward land or a protected bay.
CAPSIZING
As long as you follow the basic safety rules, capsizing is, thankfully, a fairly rare occurrence. And when it does happen, most families say it isn't anything more than a startling and briefly uncomfortable experience. Once you stop sputtering, talk calmly and make sure everyone is making their way toward shore or shallow water. Keep hold of your paddle if possible, but only when everyone is safe should you concern yourselves with the boat and gear. Since your belongings are tied in, they'll stay with the canoe. While one adult manages the kids, the other can swim the boat into shore.
Please keep in mind that phone numbers, addresses, and prices are subject to change. Updated August 2005.
GETTING YOURSELF READY
Even for short outings, parents need to be competent swimmers before they consider family water trips. It's also helpful to know basic first aid and to practice classic canoe strokes prior to a family outing. Outdoor stores can provide information on clinics, books and videos, and paddling clubs.
PREPARING YOUR CHILD
Before they try canoeing, kids should be good swimmers and feel comfortable in and near the water. One way to get ready is to swim together as a family, or have picnics along lakeshores and riverbanks. It's also helpful to borrow life jackets before a trip and head for a local swimming hole so kids can get used to the feel of them. If you live near a slow-moving river, try swimming with the kids in the current. Teach them to bob downstream on their backs--feet forward to fend off obstacles. Everyone on board should wear boat sandals or slip-on water shoes (available at discount stores) to protect their feet.
CHOOSING THE RIGHT WATER
When you're just starting out, pick small, protected lakes or slow-moving rivers that are free of obstacles. Large lakes can get dangerously rough if a wind whips up, and fast current is tricky until you hone your paddling skills. Easy water, however, allows you to concentrate on having fun and practicing your technique. Again, I want to emphasize that if you have any hesitation about a body of water, do not set out in the canoe.
LIFE JACKETS
Life jackets are the boating equivalent of seat belts. They are absolutely essential for everyone, even on the shortest trip. For kids under age ten, life jackets should feature a leg loop strap that prevents the vest from slipping over their heads, along with adequate flotation for their weight range (this information should be printed on the vest). Kids under age five should wear jackets with head-flap flotation as well. Adjust the jackets so they fit comfortably even when cinched up snug. Wherever the shoreline has swift current or a sudden drop-off, kids should wear life jackets on land, too.
BUGS, BURNS, AND OTHER BUMMERS
Sunburn is a real threat on water trips, so wear sunscreen, bring lightweight long-sleeved shirts, and keep hats on heads (we like the hats with flaps of fabric that hang down to protect bare necks). On several excursions, we've brought umbrellas for shade and a lightweight tarp to rig as a sun shelter at lunch or in camp.
Kids are also vulnerable to cold, wet conditions, since they don't have the body mass of adults. Pack some warm hats and mittens for them in a waterproof bag. Mosquitoes, biting flies, and other insects gravitate to waterways. Although bugs usually aren't too bothersome on the water, when you're on shore, long-sleeved shirts help the cause. To combat bugs, apply kid-friendly repellent and avoid taking trips in the height of bug season.
STORMY WEATHER
As a rule, stay close to shore on open water, even if it adds to your paddling distance. If wind and waves come up, you can quickly get to land or paddle in more protected water. If waves do catch you in the open, angle the boat to face them and avoid getting hit broadside. In rough or turbulent water, the best thing you can do to stabilize your boat is to kneel in it. Your paddle in the water has something of an outrigger effect, so keep stroking steadily, angling toward land or a protected bay.
CAPSIZING
As long as you follow the basic safety rules, capsizing is, thankfully, a fairly rare occurrence. And when it does happen, most families say it isn't anything more than a startling and briefly uncomfortable experience. Once you stop sputtering, talk calmly and make sure everyone is making their way toward shore or shallow water. Keep hold of your paddle if possible, but only when everyone is safe should you concern yourselves with the boat and gear. Since your belongings are tied in, they'll stay with the canoe. While one adult manages the kids, the other can swim the boat into shore.
Please keep in mind that phone numbers, addresses, and prices are subject to change. Updated August 2005.
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