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Each year, millions
of people flock to our county’s beautiful
beaches to enjoy boating, swimming, fishing, water-skiing and many
other forms of water recreation. Local families enjoy these resources
as well, or travel to other areas to do so. Summertime usually involves
even higher levels of water recreation, and can be a source of great
family fun.
Unfortunately, it can also be dangerous, especially for children.
That’s why it’s important to teach all children how to
be safe in and around the water. The boating and water safety lessons
children learn at an early age can protect them throughout their lives.
First, have your children learn to swim. But they should never swim
alone — they should always use the buddy system. They should
also know the items that can be used to help save someone in trouble — a
rope, oar, branch, or life preserver.
They should never swim where there is no lifeguard on duty, and always
obey signs that say “danger,” “keep out,” or “private
property.” When on a boat, they should always wear a life jacket
and stay seated.
In fact, it is California law that any person under age seven must
wear a Personal Flotation Device (PFD) while underway on a vessel 26
feet or less in length. To fit a PFD properly on a child it is important
not to buy one that is too large, with the expectation that the child
will grow into it. One that is too large will not work as well now,
while the child is small and needs it the most.
For a newborn less than 30 pounds, it is recommended that the size
be 16 to 20 inches in circumference. A toddler of 30 to 50 pounds,
usually aged 2 to 5, should wear one 20 to 23 inches in circumference.
A medium-sized child, of 4 to 8 years should wear one 23 to 25 inches
in circumference, and a youth up to 90 pounds or 12 years should wear
one 26 to 29 inches around.
Make sure your children know that if they enter the water by accident,
they should always stay with the boat, even if they have to hang on
to the side.
And remember — safe boating is fun boating.
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