Having small children should not deter a family from enjoying a float trip. There are ways it can be done safely and will provide all family members with a lifelong memory to treasure.
By far the safest mode of transportation for a float trip with small children is a raft. Rafts are difficult to turn over and their basic construction creates almost a playpen effect for little ones. It takes more water to float a raft which may mean that the adults will have to get out and push or pull it through extremely shallow areas.
Before setting foot into the raft, slather children with sunscreen. An SPF rating of 50 or more is recommended. Be sure to cover all exposed areas especially the tops of ears, feet, thighs, and the back of the neck. Take plenty as you will need to reapply sunscreen every hour or two throughout the day.
Bug spray is another essential. Nothing can ruin a day faster than a horsefly bite. Some brands include a sunscreen and some sunscreens include an insect repellant. Read the label to know what you have and if it’s safe to put on children.
Pack a small first aid kit that includes band-aids and aloe in addition to the sunscreen and bug spray.
Life jackets are a must. Make certain that each child is fitted with a life jacket that is rated for his/her weight. Never place a fifty pound child in a thirty pound life jacket. It won’t work. Don’t risk your child’s life. Look for a life jacket that will roll a child to his back when in water. This is the safest position for a non-swimmer. Adjust the straps of the life preserver to the child. It should be a snug fit around the waist, and all straps should be snapped shut or tied. A strap between the legs is essential in order to keep the jacket from riding up. Allow it to hang no more than two inches below their body. Also secure any loose ends to keep them from snagging or wrapping around the child.
Once the child has been properly fitted with the life jacket, make a point to periodically check for loosening straps or chafing. Some children will adapt to wearing a life jacket without a second thought. Others will complain, long and loud. However, under no circumstances should a child go without a life jacket while floating. It is not an option. Do not let a child think it is.
Three items of clothing are necessary for a good float: a hat, t-shirt, and water shoes.
The hat should be a floppy hat with a wide brim that covers the back of the neck and shades the eyes and cheeks. An elasticized chin strap works well and prevents a breeze from sending the hat sailing. No hat equals a sunburned scalp. When it’s really hot, dip the hat in the water and put it back on for a refreshing way to cool down.
A t-shirt is an easy remedy for chafing or sunburn. This simple cover-up will prevent painful blisters from either source.
Most Missouri floating rivers have gravel bottoms making water shoes a necessity. Remove them on occasion while inside the raft in order to let small feet dry out, but always put them back on. Don’t risk a cut on a sharp rock.
Keep little ones well-hydrated with water, Gatorade or Pedialyte. The last two will replace electrolytes lost from dehydration. In addition to drinking, you can offer popsicles or frozen treats to stave off the heat.
Last, but not least, bring along some toys. Children are noted for short attention spans, and once the novelty of the raft and floating wears off boredom can set in. Sand shovels, buckets, beach balls, and water guns will keep a child engaged when they tire of nature. You may have no need of the toys, but it’s better to be prepared than not.
Floating with children is not impossible. It calls for preparation and patience. With a little of each, the memories of a childhood float trip are priceless.
