Taking our kids paddling at a young age is a ton of fun and takes a little planning to make sure that everyone has a good time.  The first time you take your kiddo out on the water can feel a bit overwhelming for them and you. However, you can do it!!  I am here to provide some advice to make it a fun, safe time in the outdoors that will build a foundation for a lifetime of playing on the river.

Personal Flotation Devices (PFD)

As the saying goes, safety first. When you are headed out for your first trip on the water (outdoors), you are going to want to have some of the basics. Start with a PFD (Personal Flotation Device) as required by law for kids (in fact everyone in a water craft must have a PFD available) and kids must be wearing theirs. A good fitting PFD will help keep them floating face up even when they don’t know how to maneuver their bodies in the water yet.  A good fit will also include a weight range recommended for the intended user and it will have a rating from the USCG (United States Coast Guard).  Infant vests will have a type II rating for  example, while most other vests will have a III or IV rating. Be sure that what you’re buying meets or exceeds these requirements.  Once they are more mobile and are getting very comfortable in the water, be sure to update their PFD to match the changing needs! 

Sun Protection

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Sun Protection is key. So are naps…

Matt and Eric on the James River, Mo

Sun protection when you are around water is as easy as sunscreen or a long-sleeve sun shirt, hat, and sunglasses. 

 Sunscreen should be waterproof and applied 20 minutes before going into the water so that it doesn’t wash off. There are also environmentally-friendly sunscreens that help protect our rivers, lakes, and reefs - these are also typically better for your skin.

 If you don’t want to smear yourself or kid with sunscreen there is a great second option: wear some clothing designed for swimming that carries a sun protection rating (SPF).  These should be reasonably close-fitting and will keep you cooler out of the water and warmer in the water. Be sure to avoid cotton and loose fitting clothing. The added benefit is that most of these also work as a rash guard (prevents rubbing and chafing ) to help protect their sensitive skin from irritations that can happen when their PFD is worn for extended periods and they get wet or sweaty and rubs while they are playing.

Foot Protection

Good fitting foot protection is a key safety item when on the water.

Matt and Eric on the James River, Mo

If your little adventurer is in the infant stage this is somewhat less important, so I am going to instead focus on the mobile, tadpole chasing, rock skipping, running, jumping, splashing bundle of energy that is going to need something on their feet and will keep them having fun all day!  Water shoes come in all shapes, sizes and levels of expense. 

In fact, I could write an entire article on this one topic. However, I will keep it simple with one piece of advice: they have to fit and stay in place.  Flip flops are great for the pool or maybe the beach, but when it comes to rivers, streams, or any rocky uneven terrain with moving water and unsure footing, nothing is more useless than something that will be floating away or cause you to sprain an ankle.  Sandals that actually stay on are great - Chaco, Keen, Columbia - there are lots of companies out there that make great “sandals” that will stay on and provide protection. A pair of river shoes that keep out gravel and fit will also do the job.  Keep those tootsies protected!  Too often the easiest places for people to access water have broken glass, metal, and fishing hooks laying around that can quickly ruin an otherwise fun day at the water.

Let the Floating Begin!

Cristen and Eric Charlotte Harbor, FL

Ok! You have checked the boxes on safety and now you are ready to get moving on the water. While it can feel like a lot to manage, never fear we are here to help!  The best advice I can give is make the trip about the kids, keep it short, lots of snacks, and if they are having fun you will have a blast, too.  We like our paddleboards for their versatility on the water.  We can sit, stand, or kneel depending on the situation. SUP (Stand Up Paddle) boards also make great swimming platforms when you need to cool off.  Ours are inflatable and can roll down to the size of a suitcase and can fit in the trunk of your car. We will link them below if your are interested there are many great brands out there, just make sure that they include a pump and are made with durable drop stitch technology. 

Kayaks and canoes are also a great tool for getting on the water with their own challenges and benefits that we are happy to cover in greater detail if you would like to know more. (I can go on and on about this subject for hours… fair warning). 

Lastly a few safety tips:

1. Practice paddling before you take your kid out on the water. You will be more confident and that will translate to a better experience for everyone.

2. Hypothermia happens when exposure to cold temperatures is prolonged. This can happen in the water or just because the wind is cold when someone is wet. A rain jacket or a towel can go a long way to keep someone warm. (Reminder Cotton is not your friend when it is wet)

3. Tie down your cooler, but DON’T TIE YOUR CHILD TO ANYTHING! In the case of a tip-over you do not want to complicate matters by having your kid tied to something that they could be come entangled in - and, yes, this includes YOU.

4. Don’t forget the snacks!! Snacks and water while floating helps keep the energy up and prevents the Hangry Monster.

5. Save the party for another time. Alcohol is the leading contributor to death on our rivers. Save it for later.