Children on Dock rules

[jrock1062]

Our marina doesn't have any rules on lifejackets while on docks, it does have a 'no swimming' off boat or docks rule.

my dock has the same rules

 

[OldSkool]

I must say I have not thought about it much as my 9 and 12 year old are avid swimmers. They have learned to swim since I got the boat 5 years ago. Naturally we taught them dock dedicate from the beginning so staying where they need to be is second nature. We have never permitted them to swim around the docks.

Most docks I use are public access so minding others are not common. That's not to say I would not act if a child or person were in harms way but I have seen many kids without PFD's.

I know that a lot of folks would be put off by any comment and wouldn't act anyway however I think that if they are dock residence at a private dock then it would be like my neighbor at home and offer a friendly suggestion. If they push back then there's little to do beyond that IMO.

 

[skibum]

I think this is one of those mind your own business situations. If your name is on the property or if you are in a position of authority (manager, etc.), then I would say that you should be able to set rules that others have to abide by. However, you said that this is a neighborhood dock. I assume that this means that neither you, or your neighbors actually own it. In this case, we use the American rule. Everyone has the freedom to choose how they live their lives. If they decide to take the risk, let them do it. If something bad happens, use the opportunity to show your kids why you make the choices that you do. You can't fix stupid, but sometimes it can be a powerful learning tool.

 

[CV-23]

Our Club requires children to be escorted by an adult......10 and under. No fishing or swimming from our docks either. My kids were on the swim team at age 7 and were 10 and 7 when we became docking members, Mike.