www.iFourWinns.com

OK here is a question for families,

My partner and I took the US Safe Boating Course last year when we bought our boat. There was never an age limit or size limit mentioned as long as they wore a lifejacket. I have bought an infant one from Overtons, it is great, our other 8 month old grand daughter uses it and its great (only $20 its worth having one just in case).Now one of the other daughter in laws says that babies under 18lbs are not allowed on boats. She is nervous about her husband bring the baby along so we can all enjoy the day. While we did see a comment somewhere on line as to this, its not official, I dont think.and you can find and sort of crap on line if you look hard enough.

Thanks Ray

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Ray, no minimum in my state. The laws say:

"PFDs on children

Children under the age of 10 must wear a specified PFD at all times on any vessel when the vessel is under way and they are in an open area of the vessel. When choosing a PFD for a child, care must be taken to ensure that the garment fits the child and that small children do not slip out when placed in the water."

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Alec

2006 Horizon 190
VP 4.3GL/SX, Sunsport

Never heard about that, and can't imagine that is true. But check your state laws.

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2001 328 Vista

Previous Boats:
2004 Sea Ray 220 Select

I also cannot recall there being a weight limit for children. Just that all children under 10 (I believe that is the age, as mentioned before) must wear there PFD. Also, I am not 100% positive but I do believe that it states that children are not required to wear a PFD when down in the cabin. Maybe someone else can confirm this for sure.

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2008 F450 TOW VEHICLE
2001 Four Winns 215 Sundowner

The cabin is correct. Only wear life jacket when on top. But it is good practice for the kids to always where life jacket no matter where on boat they are.

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2001 328 Vista

Previous Boats:
2004 Sea Ray 220 Select

I've never seen a minimum weight limit. I highly doubt any limit exists in any US states. In many states there's no requirement for wearing one when down below, provided you're talking about an actual cabin, not just under a forward canvas. Otherwise you'd, what, have to wear one while sleeping? Not gonna happen.

You do, however, have to think realistically about how much an infant is going to "enjoy" being on the boat. It also depends on what kind of boat you're on. Boats without AC or at least an enclosed cabin are going to present problems. Very small babies can't regulate their own heat properly when it's hot. So bringing them out on an open boat is a mistake.

If they can't stand on their own then someone's going to have to be holding them. All... the... time... This gets old, fast. That and wearing a PFD while sitting in an infant carrier is tantamount to cruel and unusual treatment. They get way too hot with all that nylon all over them. Then you have a screaming baby to contend with... and it's supposed to be a fun trip?

As a side note, seriously consider http://www.infantswim.com for lessons. Not so much 'swimming' as learning to 'not drown'. Well worth it when you're talking about anything other than crystal clear waters. I've seen a friend's child sink like a stone in a pool, paralyzed by the shock of falling in. Had it been the cloudy waters of the Bay there would have been very little chance of finding her. Thus we took our boy to classes starting at 9 months. He knows how to get back to the surface and float.

He wears his PFD any time he's on deck or arm floats when swimming with us. He's gotten brave enough this season to leap off the swim platform into the water. Fun!

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-Bill Kearney, 2005 348 Vista

She made that up.
Our Daughters been on the boat since she was
4 months old.

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2002 Horizon 190 5.0gl

Here is a link from the U.S.C.G. http://www.uscgboating.org/safety/life_ ... acket.aspx

And http://www.uscgboating.org/fedreqs/default.html

From Assuie:
"Children under the age of 10 must wear a specified PFD at all times on any vessel when the vessel is under way and they are in an open area of the vessel. When choosing a PFD for a child, care must be taken to ensure that the garment fits the child and that small children do not slip out when placed in the water."

The above is true for the U.S.A. but if they are "below deck" and under 13 of age, not 10.

Also, it basicly it states, that there NEEDS to be enough like jacks for all on board!! AND, thet MUST be the right type (off-shore, coastal...) and size for that person. So is you have a 300lb person on board, you MUST have a PFD for that person. Same holds true for a baby!!

Personaly, I will not have any one under 5yrs old and older persons that are not stable on there feet. I am a little over 50 now, my friends are asking if the parents can come out with us or even there childen. Why, if any thing were to happen, being that it is my boat, I am responcable for that person!! I do not want that over my head!! PLUS the LIABITY.

As to the above post, "4 months old". If the boat was to go down, as the "capt" you are trying to save everyone, your self and the boat. At the same time the mother is in a panic. No thanks, not for me.

We had this same discussion on the Lake Winnipesaukee web site, it was caused by this comment buried in a FAQ on the USCG website:

Question: What PFD does the Coast Guard recommend for infants.

USCG response: The Coast Guard does not recommend taking infants onboard a recreational boat. The PFDs currently available for newborns up to 18 pounds may not provide a proper fit to perform as expected. Unless the parent is able to test their newborns out in a PFD, sized for infants, in a swimming pool, they will not know if that device will float their child with his/her head out of the water. You must be sure you know the PFD you have works for your infant. Otherwise we recommend the child not be exposed to any risk in a boat on the water.

This is a link to the page, the text is near the bottom:

http://www.uscg.mil/hq/cg5/cg5214/pfdselection.asp

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2008 V358 Two-tone Blue V/P Dual Prop 320 HP
Lake Winnipesaukee, NH

There's definitely something to be said for avoiding unnecessary risks and hassles. An anxious mother on board is a hassle I'd probably want to avoid. But I got the impression this was a 'trip with dad and the baby' where mom wasn't coming along. Again, not sure I'd want to have someone go 'that bad' if it meant the other spouse was anxious about it.

I've been out in a sudden thunderstorm with 2 kids under 5 and it's not pleasant. I would not repeat it. Now I pay for Sirius weather to help avoid crappy weather entirely. Better to sit tight and wait things out, or not go out at all.

No plans for boating are so important as to take more risks than necessary. We canceled a trip out this weekend as it's really not a lot of fun to go out when it's 101F with no wind.

But I wouldn't go so far as to require the kids be older than 5. Once they get to 3 they're in a better position to manage themselves. Someone still has to be watching them but they're a lot more competent than a younger toddler or infant. Just do not let them get out of hand. It really helps to know the kid and the parent ahead of time. If they're not the kind of people to be able to sit tight and listen to directions then they're probably not good candidates for boating with us.

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-Bill Kearney, 2005 348 Vista

Well thanks for all the input, the family in question were only coming out for a couple of hours and not in the blistering heat, thats for sure. just for some fun in the sun maybe a bit of tubing. but you all answered the question. I will not be taking any chances on safety.

Thanks again

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Raised 4 kids on boats (298 Vista and Carver 406MY). Nothing like a rocking boat and a little AC to put a baby/toddler to sleep. Good times.

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Current Boat: 2000 Four Winns 298 Vista
Previous Boat: 2000 Carver 406MY