Encouraging kids to appreciate the outdoors is a great way for them to improve their physical development. Fishing is a great way to spend time with your family and can create fun unforgettable memories. Of course, safety is the number one priority when it comes to fishing with your children, don’t forget to run through your safety list beforehand. Here is a checklist to get ready for your next family adventure.
First Aid Kit
Gather your safety kit and make sure to bring it along with you on all your fishing trips. Include items such as bandages, disinfectants, gauze pads, antibiotic ointment, pain relievers, and special medications for your kids.
Protective Eyewear
The sun can get scorching hot so, make sure the children have the proper eye gear. Getting polarized sunglasses is a good choice as it not only serves its purpose by protecting your children from sun rays, it also protects them from branches, hooks, or lures. It also helps reduce eye strain which is often a common complaint as children love to spot fish.
Life Jacket
Anytime you’re near water, you have to keep in mind the risk of drowning. No matter how careful you can be, accidents are unpredictable, that is why having your children wear a life jacket is vital when going fishing.
Stay Hydrated
Never forget to bring bottled water. Dehydration can be a major concern for everyone, most especially for kids. It will be difficult to find drinking water in the middle of the lake, right? Make sure to have more than enough for you and your kids. Sports drinks would also help to keep everyone hydrated if fishing on a hot day. Being hydrated before and after fishing is a great deal, so make sure to remind everyone to drink their water to prevent heat exhaustion.
Sunscreen
The sun is the number 1 danger you’ll encounter on your fishing trip. Children’s skin is more sensitive than adults’, which is why it is important to apply sunscreen.
Lightweight Fishing Gear
The usual rods are long and heavy, children wouldn’t be able to handle them well. This may cause discomfort, and accidents (that can be prevented!). Before planning for your fishing trip, make sure to equip lightweight fishing gear for your kids that are suitable for their age.
Fishing Spot
When children are involved, make sure to choose fishing spots carefully. When you find the right place, look for potential safety hazards and to check if kids are allowed in the area. Our world is changing, since the pandemic and the rise of the Coronavirus cases, we should now consider if the fishing spot is too crowded, you wouldn’t want to put your family at risk on a fun activity.
Don’t forget to have fun and enjoy the great outdoors with these tips in mind! Fishing is a good opportunity to educate your children on taking care of our nature. So, go out there, have fun, and stay safe!