| There is no better time to instill recreational | | | | nautical terminology in your child's educational |
| boating safety values than when your children are | | | | quotient. Start out with simple terms such as |
| small. Since young minds are impressionable, | | | | starboard, port, aft, and forward. These are |
| boating safety and its benefits are critically | | | | simple terms, but are extremely important in |
| important to teach at a young age. The number | | | | describing the action of any given boat. Even if |
| one item that is of importance, regardless of age, | | | | you're in a small inflatable zodiac or some type of |
| is a good flotation device. Even if you have just a | | | | other small craft, teach them these terms |
| small inflatable zodiac, inflatable dinghy or a fishing | | | | early.When you teach your children the proper |
| trawler, federal law requires you to have one in | | | | terminology, this can save lives especially when it |
| place. Commonly referred to as PFD'S, each child | | | | comes to boating with friends or relatives. In |
| should be fitted with one before leaving the dock | | | | addition to an essential life saving skill, it also helps |
| or shore. When purchasing a life jacket, make | | | | to eliminate confusion on board. It is okay to have |
| sure that you get one that is not bulky or | | | | small electronic devices, but teach your children |
| uncomfortable, as children are more inclined to | | | | their dollar value and how important it is to |
| take this type of device off when you least | | | | respect them. Show them as well how important |
| expect it!Children are style conscious, so | | | | it is to store them in clean dry places on board |
| remember to get a PFD that is snazzy and fits in | | | | when not being used. You will find that even |
| with the crowd! A life jacket that is bulky and | | | | kayaks or inflatable boats have secure storage |
| difficult to wear will get tossed aside or | | | | compartments. Most of all, have fun with your |
| complained about often. One style, which is the | | | | kids as they will remember their younger boating |
| type II or type III jacket may be a good choice | | | | years with their parents for many years to |
| for a child as they come in psychedelic colors with | | | | come!By Terry Price- Remember to visit- - Wow, |
| hearts on them and kids love that! In addition to a | | | | you are going to enjoy what luxury catamarans |
| good the PFD, it doesn't hurt to instill a bit of | | | | have to offer! |