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Around Sarasota FL there are a lot of youth sailing groups, we see them out most weekends. They typically have an instructor with a powerboat, then a string of sailboats, where they all sail out to a course of floats and practice their craft and gain skills. Personally I feel this is the best way to learn sailing, (in a controlled environment where adults are there to oversee, teach and assist.
The waters around here are huge and get very dangerous very quickly. People especially kids just starting into sailing may not have the knowledge, strength, and experience to recognize when things are going bad. All my kids are grown now, but If I had young kids I would feel much safer having them participate in some sort of supervised youth sailing programs and gain some sort of certification before allowing them out on their own. Several times now I was out when things turned bad and helped get the kids and their boats off the water quickly, my hat is off to the Sarasota sailing squadron and their well ran youth sailing programs, ( and the many other sailing groups/clubs here).
I believe florida already has a system in place for powerboating, (not sure of the details), but I think there is a 2-3 day safety course required to operate powerboats when under a certain age. I feel having similar certifications for sailing would put my mind at ease as a parent/grandparent. I don't know the details of the new law, but would feel much more comfortable having my own kids/grandkids go thru such programs.
When I was a kid I grew up on the Mississippi (most summers), with my sunfish, got in serious trouble often. I had neither the experience, strength, or knowledge neccessary to be qualified. Fortunately my father was ever present to rescue me when I turtled in front of barges, (lol several times).
Just my own opinions
FE
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