Children on Dock rules

Henry Boyd

Henry Boyd

Well-Known Member
Apr 24, 2007
6,014
Newburyport, on the peaceful and serene Merrimack
Boat Info
‘09 Sabre 38 Hardtop Express “Serenity”
Engines
Volvo D6 w/IPS450 Pods
As some of you know we have a neighborhood dock. For years we have had a rule requiring kids under 12 to wear life jackets on the dock and to be accompanied by an adult. We have a new neighbor who has first grade age kids who is giving us pushback. I'd like to get an idea of what kind of rules local marinas have on this subject.

Henry
 
Are there any state laws that can help back you up like we have here in Washington?

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not sure of the regs on our marina but you never see kids under 10 or so without a pfd on the docks
 
Not a comparable situation here, but we don't allow unescorted minors under 12 in the marina period. The reason is because we have large forklifts running all over the property all day long. If you kid or grandkid needs the bathroom, then you go with him.

In your case, your state may have condominium laws that give you some leverage if the dock is owned by the group of property owners. Here, the association of owners can set any rule they are prepared to enforce thru the leverage the condo docs give the association. If you have an association and if the dock is a common element, then you should be able to enforce the rules by limiting access. Unfortunately, this is probably going to end up making the new guy mad and starting off your relationship with him on a sour note.

Good luck with him...........
 
I would require the same as the law for children riding in open deck boats. 6 yrs. or less and a type I or II vest must be worn. I don't know what the liability is if some one falls in and drowns off the dock, but whom ever assumes that liability, community, town etc. should be the ones to set the age limit and maintain the compliance.
 
Our marina policy is similar to Franks. Under 12 must be under supervision. My opinion (worth very little) is similar to John's, it should be up to the parents when it comes to PDFs on land. Parents should be looking after their kids and parents know better than anyone what their children's swimming abilities are. Each boat, each parent should be responsible for their own kids. Good luck with your neighbor.


Shaun
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Our marina is owned by a village municipality. It is also a.campground. Kids are everywhere playing and on bicycles. As far as kids on docks, its up to each and every parent to decide. Those are the stipulation of the marina. As for us we have twin ten year olds that grew up on water. They need not wear vest on shore or dock.

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wetpaint said:
I only care about my kids, their safety and my rules....PERIOD!
Click to expand...

I think Henry may be concerned about group liability, not micromanaging others kids. If he is in the sphere that a lawsuit might affect he has good reason to care about what others do.

MM
 
MonacoMike said:
I think Henry may be concerned about group liability, not micromanaging others kids. If he is in the sphere that a lawsuit might affect he has good reason to care about what others do.

MM
Click to expand...

I get that some of you have kids that are part fish. My sister and brother and I were brought up that way as well. But we had the luxury of doing that at our own summer home. This is different in that it is a neighborhood property. Liability is a concern without a doubt. But so is responsibility. It is our responsibility to maintain a safe environment. However, most importantly, the last thing we want is a tragedy. We also don't want to start testing swimming proficiency. Its a community property, and although informal, we need to have some rules. I'm just trying to gauge whether the rules we have are reasonable. In the 22 years we have lived here no one has ever contested the safety protocol that existed before we moved in.

Henry
 
Its difficult to see an 11 year old 6th grader that can swim leave their life vest on at shore. My kids wore them until I was comfortable enough that they could swim if they wandered off the dock. At our pool, there is a stipulation that "minors under the age of ...x... must be accompanied by an adult". You can always be sued regardless of age; most likely will be due to an adult "slip and fall" claim. The only person I've seen fall into the water at the marina was my lovely wife....
 
Henry,
My marina has no rules either in regards to children and life jackets. I had them wear the life jackets until I was comfortable with their swimming skills. This year is the first that my 5 1/2 y/o daughter didn't have to wear hers. All three of my children went for swimming lessons for 3 consecutive years & swim regularly in my pool under parental supervision.
My main rule on the dock is no running. As others have stated I think that you will have trouble enforcing life jackets on the dock until age 12. I really can't see that. They don't even have a lifejacket rule at the Federally owned & Town owned marinas that I frequently visit. Good luck with your new member. I hope it works out for all involved.


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Todd
 
Our marina has no rules in regards to life jackets and the docks. Not sure what the rules are with young kids. Our marina is a touristy area so it would frankly be hard to manage.
 
Our marina also has no rules in regards to kids / life jackets in and on the and the docks. Federal law on great lakes says 12 and under must wear approved PFD's while out on a boat. Our marina is a county owned and operated and has not posted any kid safe rules. We on the other hand are pretty firm. 0-8 must have PFD's even walking the docks. No kids 0-8 go unattended on the docks. Good luck and let us know what the outcome.
 
My marina does not have any kid's rules either, but I recommend PFD's and duct tape. BTW, my marina does not allow DOGS anywhere, anytime. This is after my friend was attacked by a small dog and had his faced ripped to shreds.
 
My boat yard owner requires kids to wear PFDs if they are on the dock. He is a very nice, easy going guy but gives me and the kids grief if they are on or even near the dock without their PFD on. I don't have a problem with it, and don't think it's unreasonable.
 
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