Safe water temperature for pulling kids on a tube.

[Moody Blue]

Re: Safe water temperature for pulling kids on a tube.

We are tubing on lake Simcoe as of 13 days ago and the water temp is 19C right now. Kids don't mind at all, mind you the daytime temps have been in the low 30C range. <br />If you are depending on a child as a spotter, spend some time and explain what is expected of them and how important the job is. Practice the hand signs at home before hitting the water. Be sure to use the kill switch lanyard so the boat can't run-away if you fall out. <br /><br />You will find very quickly that the kids will want to ride solo, without mom. The first few times out, keep a close eye yourself on the towee until you can be confident of the kids. Start slow (10-12MPH) then let them tell you if they want to go faster. Remember that in a turn if the tube gets outside of the wake, it will be going much faster than the boat.

 

[tommays]

Re: Safe water temperature for pulling kids on a tube.

<br /><br />i am really not seeing how putting a wet suit on a 9 year old like the one above is coddling him<br /><br />i dont have any pictures on the web from when he learned to ski when he was 3<br /><br /><br />

<br /> <br />now not letting him do stupid stuff like this when he was 15 would be coddling him <br /><br />tommays

 

[Dunaruna]

Re: Safe water temperature for pulling kids on a tube.

I haven't seen this mentioned so I'd like to add that a suit isn't just for the cold, it also gives protection to VITAL areas of the body - especially for children in a tumble crash.<br /><br />Aldo

 

[cuzner]

Re: Safe water temperature for pulling kids on a tube.

Water temp of 70 should be good.Heat loss is very dependant on body size and body fat. Just use common sense, have dry towels ready, and a properly fitting pfd.I,ve been in water much colder, but if your looking a temp that should be good.... just don't leave em floating around for more than 10 min <br /><br /> Jim

 

[tommays]

Re: Safe water temperature for pulling kids on a tube.

http://www.pwcsafetyschool.com/newmexico/hb_46.html <br /><br />here are some pretty good facts about water temp and times<br /><br />tommays

 

[Richard Petersen]

Re: Safe water temperature for pulling kids on a tube.

Try this. In cold lakes or rivers the is always a small SHALLOW safe cove or bay area you can find. Get a depth map of your boating waters. The temperature can be almost 10 degrees higher by late afternoon. It works on the cold St. Lawrence River. It is also easier and safer there. Pick the bottom and depth the kids feel they can stand up in if needed. AVOID MUCKY MUD. We had to pull a stuck teenager out.

 

[BUBBLES II]

Re: Safe water temperature for pulling kids on a tube.

I would get them wetsuits. You can get them cheaply on ebay. I've bought many, all kinds. Some for less than $10, never worn. They keep you warm and add a little extra flotation. And, THEY DON'T COME OFF!! tommays, good pics.

 

[S.Lee]

Re: Safe water temperature for pulling kids on a tube.

Thanks guys for the info and your concerns. I have made a decision that I feel is right for me and my children.

 

[Moody Blue]

Re: Safe water temperature for pulling kids on a tube.

Now there is a politically correct answer if I ever saw one

 

[Straightup]

Re: Safe water temperature for pulling kids on a tube.

Spotter:<br /><br />WI law states that the spotter must be "Competent" and says nothing about age. In my opinion, I would say that your kids would be fine spotters. All you have to do is relay what is happening behind the boat to the driver. A 7 year old can handle that fine. My wife was driving for me skiing when my kids were 5 & 6 and they spotted for me all the time. We never had any problems. <br /><br />Jeff

 

[Captn Dave]

Re: Safe water temperature for pulling kids on a tube.

Maybe you guys came from Florida where the water is warm but having grown up and lived on Long Island most of my life, I can't even estimate the number of hours of fun I would have missed if I waited for the water temperature to get 70 or above before I went in. <br />Yeah, now as an adult, I may be hesitant but I still surf without a wetsuit in water temps below 70. <br />As a kid, I'd be in until I turned blue.<br />My mother would make me get out. <br />How about making the deciding factor, "Dad, I'm cold, I want to get out".

 

[S.Lee]

Re: Safe water temperature for pulling kids on a tube.

The funny thing is, if your kids are like mine, they will not admit they are cold. Trust me. In the winter we have to constantly check their hands and feet. They seem to think it is some sort of punishment to have to stop and warm up.

 

[S.Lee]

Re: Safe water temperature for pulling kids on a tube.

RodC<br /><br />Like that? I asked for opinions, and I got them. I may or may not feel the same, but who cares.

 

[txswinner]

Re: Safe water temperature for pulling kids on a tube.

Hey Lee, When they get blue and stiff pull them out they are ready!! Really, should not have anything to say, we used to ski on Christmas day each year when I was growing up. It was cold but we all made it. Bring em down to Texas and you will not have any such problem. Good luck and God speed.