www.iFourWinns.com

Problem is 'normal' changes in an instant and kids don't pay enough attention to be able to guarantee they won't get hurt. That's exactly what happened here when that girl died. Now the parents get to spend the rest of their lives regretting what they thought were going to be 'normal conditions'.

_________________
-Bill Kearney, 2005 348 Vista

We make our kids (8 and 6) have to wear them all the time while away from the dock, even if anchored out. My wife and I always wear one too, it is easier to reinforce for the kids if we have one on also. We even ask our adult guests to wear one. Most of our guests are non-boaters so we've never had anyone refuse.

I know some people can't stand to wear one but to me it is just part of being on the boat and doesn't bother me.

_________________
Terry
Current: 07 Crownline 255 CCR cuddy - 350 Mag MPI/B3 "Casi Cielo"

Previous:97 245 Sundowner 5.7GI/SX

Tow vehicle: 1986 GMC 2500 Camper Special 454/TH400

I use the USCG section on life jackets which say anyone under 13 ----
(Florida is actually only under SIX accoridng the BOATUS)

I just never tell the grandkids the real Florida law, and when on vacation I never tell them -- or visitors -- that the law is different in that state ===

so basically I require anyone 12 or under to have a life jacket on whenever the boat is moving -- no exceptions --
my grandkids are so used to it they automatically find their life jacket as soon as they get in the boat --or as soon as it moves ----they do not complain -- they just know to do it.

ths is true no matter how good the swimmer is -- and my grandkids are junior olympic quality swmmers and certainly blow me out of the water when swimming -- even the 9 year old --- I don't care ---life jackets for anyone under 13 when moving -- no life jackets when at anchor.

_________________
DaleG -- West Palm Beach FL
2003 240Horizon -- 5.7Gi -Duoprop

Kids don't have to pay attention, that's my job:) Seriously though, I'm not arguing your point because at the end of the day you need to be comfortable with your decision. I could type a long list of things that are unsafe that I wouldn't do (like riding a motorcycle, skydiving, mountain climbing, etc) but boating down a river in my very large bowrider without a pfd isn't one of them.

_________________
2009 Four Winns SL 242
Searching for that "One Particular Harbor."