When I used to do safety exams on boats for the Coast Guard Auxiliary and I ran into parents with small kids who hated wearing PFDs I would suggest to the parent (usually the mother outside of earshot of the kids) that the next time they beach in shallow water to go swimming, take a couple of the appropriate sized PFDs and throw them in the shallow water, then make a game out of it with the kids called "The Life Jacket for Ice Cream" (or make up your own name and treat) It's a lot harder than you think. Winner gets a double scoop of ice cream, the others get a little less. If you make something fun it makes a world of difference.
As for bringing a baby on the boat, if you've taken all the safety precautions outlined in the other posts and the mother is okay with it, fine. Take it slow and easy, but if the mother is aprehensive about it then don't do it. Let the baby's mother be your guide.
|