Five Tips to Remember When Rafting with Children

With summer approaching, the urge to participate in outdoor activities becomes almost too tough to handle. However, some things, like white water rafting, can be just as dangerous as they are fun -especially if children are involved. Therefore, this is a guide to ensuring that your children have a safe, as well as exhilarating experience.

1. Life jackets must remain on at all times -and this goes for adults just as much as children. In so many instances, it's the only thing standing between perfect safety and danger. No matter how capable a swimmer you or your child are, safety is of the utmost importance.

2. The position while in the raft is also extremely important. If possible, keep younger children surrounded by adults. If they are paddling, this means position them on the sides of the raft. If they are not paddling, the center of the raft is the best place for them. No matter what, make sure that they stay inside the boat and don't lean over or dangle their legs over the side. For extra position, you can attack a rope or harness around your child's waist in case of an accident.

3. The water isn't the only thing you should protect your children from. The sun's rays can cause a nasty burn, particularly if you're out for several hours. Apply SPF 30 or above both before you set off on your adventure and midway through the day.

4. Do whatever you can to avoid dehydration. Although packing a large cooler of food might not always be prudent on an inflatable raft, packing a few juice boxes or soda cans and sandwiches and chips is a great way to prevent dehydration and keep your energy up throughout the day.

5. Don't spend the whole day searching out huge waves. Make some time to seek out a nice calm section of water for your kids to play in so that they don't get bored by simply paddling and being told to keep still. Just make sure that before you let them in the water you check to see that the undertow is calm and there is no chance of a heavy current. Also, life jackets are still a must. Anyone who doesn't want to keep theirs on doesn't get to play in the water.