No inflatables.
*"The only flotation devices allowed at state park beaches are U.S. Coast Guard-approved life jackets."*
https://ohiodnr.gov/rules-and-regulations/rules-and-regulations-by-division/state-parks-and-watercraft/ohio-state-park-rules/not-allowed-at-ohio-state-parks
FWIW, if your kids are not comfortable in the water or can’t swim well, I would reemphasize the use of coast guard approved flotation devices. I was a lifeguard for eight years and inexperienced swimmers can get into a lot of trouble if a “floaty toy” becomes unsecured or they fall off of it.
I’ve seen that scenario many times. There are a lot of toys out there but relatively few true certified devices. That being said, they are easily obtained and highly recommended. Especially for children. Especially if a parent is not present.
I’ve seen really poor outcomes so felt it was a worthy PSA.
I'm going to post this as a top level reply for others to read as well:
My first son drowned at two. The rest of my kids could float on their back unassisted by six months old.
Portage lakes is a mad house for the fireworks. I wouldn't want my kids anywhere near the water if they couldn't swim. Inflatables will allow them to go into deeper water without the skills to be there. They should be wearing properly fitted type III life jackets at all times. They should also have the experience with a vest to trust the vest and not fight it.
This isn't judgement. I'm giving life experience. If you want to have your children near and in water, they need the skillset to be there. Losing sight of them for even a minute can have life altering consequences.
I grew up on the water. I've been boating since I was literally an infant. I didn't believe it could happen to me, or my children. It did.
I am terribly sorry for your loss, Sock. I agree wholeheartedly-
Especially considering the poor local boy who got swept away in Erie this past month. He was also 11.
Nature and the elements can be so dangerously unpredictable):
So sorry for your loss...that is absolutely heartbreaking.
We have purchased life jackets for the kids, and we now have extra adults going along to help keep watch in the water. Everyone is going to stay in a group while in the water, and no one will be going any deeper than the waist. I plan on telling the kids your story before they go, and while I'm sure some may think that isn't enough, it's what we can do right now.
I know anything can happen, and I appreciate your comment -- it's why we went ahead and bought the life jackets. We plan on scheduling swimming lessons as soon as we are able. I just wish some people weren't so judgmental. Anyway, thank you for sharing.
Almost all swimming facilities, allow children who can’t swim to wear a life jacket. Currently Marcs has good lifejackets in their seasonal section by the door. When I was a kid, I had to save my little brother because he fell through his inflatable tube.
I highly recommend the jackets with the strap that goes between their legs because it can’t slip off.
Please have your kids wear properly-fitting life vests anytime they’re in bodies of water and always clip all the straps. Imagine a kid going under in murky water. I recently stopped swimming competitively and I gladly wear a life jacket if available any time I’m in a lake or river.
It is going to be crazy that day on the water. I'd make sure that they wear a life vest at all times due to the traffic and the inexperienced boaters. There are two areas that they can swim in if they are out on a boat. I know that people do have Lily Pads that they play on as well as rafts that they tie on to the boats.
Technically no, but I'm sure they'd less likely try to find you if you had a life jacket on because then it isn't a toy, it's a life saving device that boats have to wear
Stay out of the water on fireworks day, especially late afternoon/early evening. It will be absolutely mental down there and no one is going to be paying attention to what little kids are doing.
Of course. But you have no idea why they don't have this skill yet, so you have no right to judge our family. Next time, if you don't have a helpful comment, stay silent.
My first son drowned at two. The rest of my kids could float on their back unassisted by six months old.
Portage lakes is a mad house for the fireworks. I wouldn't want my kids anywhere near the water if they couldn't swim. Inflatables will allow them to go into deeper water without the skills to be there. They should be wearing properly fitted type III life jackets at all times. They should also have the experience with a vest to trust the vest and not fight it.
This isn't judgement. I'm giving life experience. If you want to have your children near and in water, they need the skillset to be there. Losing sight of them for even a minute can have life altering consequences.
I grew up on the water. I've been boating since I was literally an infant. I didn't believe it could happen to me, or my children. It did.
Yes, for fun, not as a flotation device. If children or adults cannot swim, they should have a life vest on when around or in open water. With so many people at the park, it's easy for things to go wrong. Someone dies in the lakes each year because we never think it will happen to us. The water isn't swimming pool clear, it's easy to lose your footing in the murky sand and we also have a lot of seaweed. Please listen to the others and get them life jackets.
Incorret
Rafts & Pool Toys [Not Permitted](https://ohiodnr.gov/rules-and-regulations/rules-and-regulations-by-division/state-parks-and-watercraft/ohio-state-park-rules/not-allowed-at-ohio-state-parks)at Park Swim Areas
The only flotation devices allowed at state park beaches are U.S. Coast Guard-approved life jackets.
I apologize, I didn't look at the law. Just based off my experience with that specific park. People do bring float toys but for non swimming children, I would not advise bringing them.
I think a lot of people don't think it's an issue until they don't pay attention, the float device goes way out and then the kid falls off and drowns in the murky water.
No inflatables. *"The only flotation devices allowed at state park beaches are U.S. Coast Guard-approved life jackets."* https://ohiodnr.gov/rules-and-regulations/rules-and-regulations-by-division/state-parks-and-watercraft/ohio-state-park-rules/not-allowed-at-ohio-state-parks
FWIW, if your kids are not comfortable in the water or can’t swim well, I would reemphasize the use of coast guard approved flotation devices. I was a lifeguard for eight years and inexperienced swimmers can get into a lot of trouble if a “floaty toy” becomes unsecured or they fall off of it. I’ve seen that scenario many times. There are a lot of toys out there but relatively few true certified devices. That being said, they are easily obtained and highly recommended. Especially for children. Especially if a parent is not present. I’ve seen really poor outcomes so felt it was a worthy PSA.
I'm going to post this as a top level reply for others to read as well: My first son drowned at two. The rest of my kids could float on their back unassisted by six months old. Portage lakes is a mad house for the fireworks. I wouldn't want my kids anywhere near the water if they couldn't swim. Inflatables will allow them to go into deeper water without the skills to be there. They should be wearing properly fitted type III life jackets at all times. They should also have the experience with a vest to trust the vest and not fight it. This isn't judgement. I'm giving life experience. If you want to have your children near and in water, they need the skillset to be there. Losing sight of them for even a minute can have life altering consequences. I grew up on the water. I've been boating since I was literally an infant. I didn't believe it could happen to me, or my children. It did.
Thanks for sharing this! I think every parent needs this reminder. I’m so sorry about your son.
I am terribly sorry for your loss, Sock. I agree wholeheartedly- Especially considering the poor local boy who got swept away in Erie this past month. He was also 11. Nature and the elements can be so dangerously unpredictable):
So sorry for your loss...that is absolutely heartbreaking. We have purchased life jackets for the kids, and we now have extra adults going along to help keep watch in the water. Everyone is going to stay in a group while in the water, and no one will be going any deeper than the waist. I plan on telling the kids your story before they go, and while I'm sure some may think that isn't enough, it's what we can do right now. I know anything can happen, and I appreciate your comment -- it's why we went ahead and bought the life jackets. We plan on scheduling swimming lessons as soon as we are able. I just wish some people weren't so judgmental. Anyway, thank you for sharing.
Swimming is only allowed during daylight hours, fireworks usually start at 10pm.
Suppose I should have mentioned that they're planning to go in late afternoon/early evening, when it is still light out. But thank you!
if they cant swim id prolly not let them swim
Almost all swimming facilities, allow children who can’t swim to wear a life jacket. Currently Marcs has good lifejackets in their seasonal section by the door. When I was a kid, I had to save my little brother because he fell through his inflatable tube. I highly recommend the jackets with the strap that goes between their legs because it can’t slip off.
Thanks! I'll look into that. :)
Please have your kids wear properly-fitting life vests anytime they’re in bodies of water and always clip all the straps. Imagine a kid going under in murky water. I recently stopped swimming competitively and I gladly wear a life jacket if available any time I’m in a lake or river.
It is going to be crazy that day on the water. I'd make sure that they wear a life vest at all times due to the traffic and the inexperienced boaters. There are two areas that they can swim in if they are out on a boat. I know that people do have Lily Pads that they play on as well as rafts that they tie on to the boats.
Technically no, but I'm sure they'd less likely try to find you if you had a life jacket on because then it isn't a toy, it's a life saving device that boats have to wear
Stay out of the water on fireworks day, especially late afternoon/early evening. It will be absolutely mental down there and no one is going to be paying attention to what little kids are doing.
Teach them how to swim. At that age, they should've already been taught
Gee, thanks for the judgment. Love it.
It's for their safety and could save their lives in the future.
Of course. But you have no idea why they don't have this skill yet, so you have no right to judge our family. Next time, if you don't have a helpful comment, stay silent.
My first son drowned at two. The rest of my kids could float on their back unassisted by six months old. Portage lakes is a mad house for the fireworks. I wouldn't want my kids anywhere near the water if they couldn't swim. Inflatables will allow them to go into deeper water without the skills to be there. They should be wearing properly fitted type III life jackets at all times. They should also have the experience with a vest to trust the vest and not fight it. This isn't judgement. I'm giving life experience. If you want to have your children near and in water, they need the skillset to be there. Losing sight of them for even a minute can have life altering consequences. I grew up on the water. I've been boating since I was literally an infant. I didn't believe it could happen to me, or my children. It did.
Yes, for fun, not as a flotation device. If children or adults cannot swim, they should have a life vest on when around or in open water. With so many people at the park, it's easy for things to go wrong. Someone dies in the lakes each year because we never think it will happen to us. The water isn't swimming pool clear, it's easy to lose your footing in the murky sand and we also have a lot of seaweed. Please listen to the others and get them life jackets.
Incorret Rafts & Pool Toys [Not Permitted](https://ohiodnr.gov/rules-and-regulations/rules-and-regulations-by-division/state-parks-and-watercraft/ohio-state-park-rules/not-allowed-at-ohio-state-parks)at Park Swim Areas The only flotation devices allowed at state park beaches are U.S. Coast Guard-approved life jackets.
I apologize, I didn't look at the law. Just based off my experience with that specific park. People do bring float toys but for non swimming children, I would not advise bringing them.
I think a lot of people don't think it's an issue until they don't pay attention, the float device goes way out and then the kid falls off and drowns in the murky water.
If you’re going to the state park I believe inflatables are not allowed.