Boating with a youngster

[soozand3g]

truly. a good lifejacket is where it's at. without one that is comfortable, your trip out will be miserable for everyone! but if you get you child used to it and NEVER let them even step foot on that boat without it, it will be just like puttin' on shoes.
i have to say, being out on the lake with my family truly is priceless. i cannot imagine what we would do without a boat! (although we are currently boatless, haha,but are hoping to have one in the next couple of weeks) the memories that we are making out there every weekend... priceless.
good luck!

[AuMDLST]

jackkrash -

We have had our boy out since he was <5months. I can't say enough good things about this infant vest:

http://www.mountainbaby.com/item.php/Salus_Bijoux.html

He would not wear anything else without pitching a fit. Also, he could wear this in his carseat without being strapped in. He just turned 18 months and we are dryland training him on a ski skimmer for this summer.

Correct me if I am wrong but it does not appear that this device carries approval from the US Coastguard - Not a cheap ticket to get in Florida from the Sheriff.

[jjackkrash]

jackkrash -

We have had our boy out since he was <5months. I can't say enough good things about this infant vest:

http://www.mountainbaby.com/item.php/Salus_Bijoux.html

He would not wear anything else without pitching a fit. Also, he could wear this in his carseat without being strapped in. He just turned 18 months and we are dryland training him on a ski skimmer for this summer.

Correct me if I am wrong but it does not appear that this device carries approval from the US Coastguard - Not a cheap ticket to get in Florida from the Sheriff.

I believe that you are correct. Its a Canadian product. But it works and is safe.

http://www.salusmarine.com/transport_canada.html


[/i]

[AuMDLST]

We get stopped several times a season - just for random checks - and if that was the only vest onboard/on an individual you would get a ticket. Same goes for checks at the ramps where they wont let you launch unless all vests are USCG approved (one for each onboard). Looks like a good product for when not underway.

[jjackkrash]

We get stopped several times a season - just for random checks - and if that was the only vest onboard/on an individual you would get a ticket. Same goes for checks at the ramps where they wont let you launch unless all vests are USCG approved (one for each onboard). Looks like a good product for when not underway.

We typically ski at a private lake, so not an issue, but we have passed two inspections where we were boarded on a public lake in Texas. Sounds like you have some real sticklers. [/b]

[AirTool]

We typically ski at a private lake, so not an issue, but we have passed two inspections where we were boarded on a public lake in Texas. Sounds like you have some real sticklers.

You were lucky. I would expect a TPWD ranger to check that if the pfd's looked even the least bit non-Academy or non-Walmart.

OFF TOPIC: They know all the tricks. I've had to show them the dial on the fire extinguiser, blow the whistle or honk the horn. One almost boarded because he couldn't hear my internal blower. Lastly, they always ask for the registration card which most people forget. I have mine zip-tied in a waterproof zip pouch so it is always in there.

I was surprised the last time I was stopped, that they didn't ask me for any identification to check against the registration. I guess they don't really care who I am or whose boat it is as long as no laws are broken.

I'm a fan of all of it, though....just please don't stop me until my rider falls or my fish is boarded.

[TRO]

seems like i'd be more worried about my child's safety with a non-coastguard approved vest than i would be about the ticket i might get.

[AirTool]

seems like i'd be more worried about my child's safety with a non-coastguard approved vest than i would be about the ticket i might get.

Can you elaborate on this? ...are you saying that because a PFD isn't USCG "approved" that it is inadequate?

I think your taking some of the posts above out of context. I'll elaborate more after I see your answer.

[TRO]

EDIT*

i did not intend to respond to any particular post so i do not believe i could have taken some of the posts above out of context.

i would imagine there are probably areas of functionality that are lacking on NON-USCG approved vests that are available on USCG approved vests. i don't think those approvals are based on aesthetic issues. however, it might just be an issue of the manufacturer not wanting to spend the money and time to get a vest USCG approved. i'm not really sure of the process.

inadequate? that's probably a personal decision based on an individual's situation. i doubt anyone could tell you or me what is "inadequate" for each of our particular situations.

[Nautiqueman]

I have had my kids out (the girls are 8 years apart in age) and can remember when I would put the younger one down on a towel by my feet in a Ski Nautique so she could nap while I was pulling the older kids. Always had a life jacket even while napping and I was not really pulling the older ones aggressively.

[prairiethunder]

My wife and I had our first baby in december with lot's and neices and nephews around we new our baby girl would be in the boat before she is 6 months old. When my wife put it on our doughter to see how they fit she said our little girl had a big smile fully straped in! From my experience this is un heard of for a youngster to not break into tears the second they have the life jacket pulled over their head (and subsequently preventing all neck movement). I'm already impressed. Below is a link to a letter from transport canada regarding the life jacket. In cananda there are no approved lifejackets for babies under 25lbs..... and threre for no requirements to have an approved life jacket on board for infants..... as the letter states...... "having the infant in a comfortable and effective pfd is the logical and appropriate descision." Not sure if the U.S. coast guard has similar views or reg's regarding pfd's in the under 25lb. category. We will be on the water this weekend demoing our (hopefully) 1st new to us '97 SN 196.

link to Transport Can. letter

http://www.salusmarine.com/transport_canada.html

[Christopher-W.-Becker]

All,

IF YOU ARE IN MICHIGAN....the law requires all children under 6 years of age to wear a USCG—approved Type I or II PFD when riding on the open deck of any vessel. NOTE: Type IIIs are a No No. So no neoprenes. If it does NOT have the big float block in the flap in the back for the head OR if it is has floatation material in the back it will result in a $100 ticket.

[AuMDLST]

The hyperlite Infant Indy vest is USCG approved and neoprene.

[BP22]

We have been using the Salus Bijoux vest on our son since he was 4 months old, he is now 1. It fits him well and is very adjustable.

[Rock_Toy]

I would highly recommend suntan lotion, a hat, glasses, rubber ducky and some sort of "flotation devices" nearby.