How To Teach Your Child Fishing Safety

There’s nothing quite like taking your child on a fishing trip, whether you’re camping or just going for the day. Passing on a hobby like this from one generation to the next is not only fun, it’s also an excellent opportunity to spend time with and bond with your child.

Still, there are some safety issues you’ll want to keep in mind when you’re fishing with your child. Here are some tips on how to keep fishing safe and fun for everyone:

• Start with life jackets or personal flotation devices. Whether you’re on shore, a boat or a dock, a life jacket can keep your child from drowning.
• Discuss the safety rules with your child ahead of time. Explain to her that there can be no horseplay. Tell her to look around before she casts, and to keep her shoes on at all times.
• Make sure you’ve got certain equipment with you. For example, a first aid kit is an absolute necessity. In addition, you’ll want to bring a fish net with a long handle, which you can use to reach out to someone who is in the water.
• Keep cool and hydrated. Make sure that both you and your child drink a plentiful amount of cold water or sports drinks. This helps stave off dehydration and heat stroke.
• Keep protected from the sun. Use sunscreen lotion. Wear hats to keep the sun off your brow. Reapply the sunscreen lotion regularly. Consider using a high SPF sunscreen for your child, especially if she sunburns easily.
• Use insect repellant. Insect repellant keeps Mosquitoes, bees and other insects at bay.
• Think safety at all times. If an activity seems like it might be even a little bit dangerous, don’t do it.
• Keep an eye on your child. Never let your child out of your site, and be constantly watching for danger.
• Demonstrate how to use fishhooks, how to tie them to a line, and how to put bait on them. Show your child that you are handling the fishhook carefully, so that he will handle his fishhook carefully when the time comes.