Fishing is, definitely, one of the safer sports that one can indulge into in spare time. And its great fun with kids too. Kids are, more often than not, fascinated by the prospect of catching something which they are more habituated at seeing cooked, dressed and served at the dinner table.
The fun of fishing do not elude them. The other advantage: a fishing trip with your kids might be a nice opportunity to get closer to them. Nothing builds better camaraderie than getting a job done together.
However, what you should always keep in mind in a fishing trip is, safety. If you were alone, things would be different. Maybe this is not your first fishing trip even. But with kids, things are tough.
There can be many hazards that you can avert only by keeping a careful eye on the safety measures that you have taken.
Kids are adventurous and fun loving, and yet they cannot be expected to take their own care by themselves. A big problem when it comes to keeping an weary eye on your child is, as much as they enjoy the act of catch a fish, the long wait really turns them off. They would rather wander off or fidget with the fishing instrument. And that must not be allowed.
Keep in mind that the hooks, baits or knives are potentially dangerous in the hands of young kids. Never let them out of your sight.
It is important that you foresee the dangers of a fishing trip and prepare well from beforehand. Other than sharp fishing equipment, there are always the hazards of too much exposure in the sun, boating dangers, insect bites, slippery rocks, wild animal threats and snakes.
Maybe you are camping near a place where traffic runs close by. Heavy traffic is always a potential hazard for young children. Therefore, you should also be careful that the youngsters with you do not go too far away from the adults.
Remember that they are not supposed to have a good sense of identifying and refraining from problems, it’s your duty towards them.
Take with you an ample safety kit to treat injuries of every kind. Take insect repellents with you and make sure that your child does not get bitten by harmful insects. Insects are, often, not only poisonous but they can also carry germs as well. Therefore, don’t strain your chances.
You should make the kids wear high boots so that their feet are well protected. Since, with all the precautions you might take, there still remains a possibility of snakebites, always carry with you a snakebite kit.
Snakebite kits where you find syringes with which you can suck out the poison from the wound are the best buys. It helps minimize the chance of a fatality.
If you are camping in a park or a natural surroundings facility, make sure to ask the ranger or other available authorities for the potential risks that you might run in camping there. Being prepared always pays well.
Keep in mind that some of the trees and plants in your vicinity might be poisonous too. Identify poison oak and poison ivy and get advised by the authorities about which plant your kids should avoid.
Keep your children safe from water. One of the potential hazards that you face on a fishing trip is your boat capsizing. Also, there might be hidden currents in the stream. You never know.
Therefore, even if your children are good swimmers, keep them away from the water until you are absolutely sure of its safety.
