how young is too young to be on a boat...

[jack7771]

Re: how young is too young to be on a boat...

Hold on folks -- there are many people who go on a boat who don't swim. that's not the issue.

The man's question is " is it illegal to have infants on a boat?"

He didn't ask for an opinion -- he asked for a fact! He obviously has determined that he's comfortable with taking the infant out if it's legal. He may have a big boat, or be in calm waters, or whatever. He doesn't need an opinion from a bunch of pontificators who don't know the score and can't answer his question.

Mark42 is right: If it's legal, "It all depends on your level of experience, condition of your boat, and your own comfort level [which would include an asessment of the weather and general water conditions]. Go with your conscience."

 

[tmcalavy]

Re: how young is too young to be on a boat...

Many things are legal, like open containers, but that doesn't make the choice/action responsible. People who can swim but go boating know the risk they are taking and they are generally old enough to control their own body functions. Infants aren't...taking one out on a boat, regardless of your skill level, water conditions, etc. is irresponsible. Hence, no swimmee, no boatee.
No exceptions in my boat.

 

[Cptkid570]

Re: how young is too young to be on a boat...

Just a couple of issues:
1. The infant can't wear sunscreen, so make sure that he/she stays in the shade
2. With my kids, I did bring the car seat and placed it on the floor of the boat for the baby to sleep. I must be a sinner because at times I'd bungee cord the seat into place.
3. It does depend on the size of the boat and how you plan on driving it. You do have to take the baby into consideration and be careful.

My parents did it with me and my parents parents did it with them and I've done it with my kids. I'm not a maniac and I didn't drive the boat like one.

My wife and I would rather spend time with the kids than pawn them off on a sitter.

 

[KBADC]

Re: how young is too young to be on a boat...

A 9 wk old doesn't even have control of their head/neck muscles.

Agreed ....... Way too young! Even with a life jacket the little one would drown.

 

[jack7771]

Re: how young is too young to be on a boat...

If you like to "what if" and think the worst ---

Baby sitter held after head trauma kills child, 2 ... The 22-year-old baby sitter....

Baby sitter sought after fire kills 5 ...

Bellevue fire kills teen baby sitter, two children....

Four children and their baby sitter were killed by carbon monoxide fumes from a gas heater, officials in this northern Florida community said. ...

 

[darrklim2]

Re: how young is too young to be on a boat...

No swimee, no boatee.

That would mean my 54 year old father couldn't go boating.

 

[Bigjohn1]

Re: how young is too young to be on a boat...

sea wolf is right, and I am not trying to offend you BUT...if a parent needs to ask an internet forum if its ok to take a 9-week old on a boat, he has issues.

 

[tmcalavy]

Re: how young is too young to be on a boat...

That would mean my 54 year old father couldn't go boating.

Exactly right...at least in my boat. Never lost one yet. Don't intend to.

 

[EricR]

Re: how young is too young to be on a boat...

I have had my six month old out, he's 22'' bow to stern and 16lbs. In an infant PFD. He can sit up and hold his head up quite well. No, we were not out all day. He slept a lot in the "nest" we made him up under the bow. Was fussy until the boat started moving, then he just cooed and went to sleep.

 

[vess]

Re: how young is too young to be on a boat...

Wow, you guys are tough. Do you all realize that they make type 2 PFDs so that a youngster will be held on her back, head up in the water? The type 3 units don't do that. Of course you can take the baby out, and it is doable in a small boat even. Is it smart? That is the question everyone has to figure out on his/her own. And just because someone can swim doesn't qualify him to ride in the boat. What happens to this "swimmer" when he is knocked unconscious and dumped into the water? With a good PFD he may live, just like the baby that can't swim.
To answer the question, I have taken our babies out at that age. Shorter trips, held by mom. I don't think a day-long cruise is what you want to do, but you certainly can get out there for a short time without too much worry.