By Josh Brodderick

A part of responsible parenting is teaching your children about personal watercraft and personal watercraft safety. Most experts agree that it is important to introduce your children to the water as early as possible. A failure to introduce them to the water at an early age might create a fear of the water which will be hard to over come at a later age. Children and personal watercraft can be a safe combination as long as certain precautions are taken.

The only caveat to the above is likely children under the age of three. In most cases children under the age of three should likely stay away from PWC as they wouldn't get much from the experience. But once they hit their third birthday, watch out!

Before introducing your child to the wonderful world of personal watercraft be sure you buy a good quality life jacket. Make sure you buy the kind that has enough flotation in the front to flip the child over and make he or she float on her back if immersed in water. This type of lifejacket is fairly standard and any child's life jacket that is approved should be constructed in this manner. For children under a certain weight, there will also be a strap that goes between their legs so the jacket does not slip up. It is critically important that your child wear the life jacket anytime she is near the water. As a parent, you should always wear your life jacket to set an example.

If you have other boats available, such as a pedal boat or a canoe, you could introduce your child to non-motorized boats before bringing them out on your seadoo. Make sure the water isn't rough and there isn't too much wind. Often a windy day can cause children to not enjoy their experience out on the water. When your child is in the boat, talk about the rules of being in boats. Always sit down in the boat, no jumping or running or sudden shifts in weight. You can also give them a science lesson about what is making the boat move through the water, and how you turn the boat.

Try to make watercraft safety fun and interesting. Make your child feel a sense of responsibility about the rules of watercraft safety. Compliment your child on how responsible and mature they are being with respect to the rules of watercraft safety. Teach your child about the importance of life jackets and the laws regarding boating. Teach them about the different safety equipment, such as noise makers and bailers, that must be brought on boat trips. Give your child a small chore that they must take responsibility for. Perhaps they can bring the life jackets from the boat house.

Bringing your child with you on the water for your pwc rides can be great fun for both you and your child. It is a perfect family activity, and a great way to spend summer time at the cottage. Just make sure to introduce your child to pwcs when they are ready, and continue to repeat the safety lessons every time you go out, so that they realize the importance of keeping safety a priority when it comes to boats and water.

About the Author:
I've found a couple of good resources if you would like to read more about personal watercrafts and if you are interested in finding seadoo covers.