Rules I work with are that the individual must be comfortable in the water -- that means they must be able to swim 50 meters with a pfd. I'm fine if the person can't swim without one but if they are panicing in a rescue situation, that creates a danger for everyone. It is also a good idea to have a person try swimming with a pfd even if they are a swimmer so they are used to that sensation before a rescue situation.
The other big rule is no one goes on or near the water without a pfd -- I deal with cold water and frequently in remote areas so no chances.
I do agree with Shawn that lessons are good and being able to swim without a pfd is the ideal for a whole bunch of reasons.
take care
don
: Any parent or other qaulified individuals want to lend their opinions about
: whether a child should be allowed in a small boat before they know how to
: swim? I wasn't allowed in one when I was a child until I knew how to swim,
: and I guess that was motivation for me to learn to swim more quickly. I've
: been inclined to have the same rule for my young children. I've mentioned
: this to friends, and they have mostly scoffed at me, pointing out that
: even if a kid knew how to swim, they would likely drown if they fell in
: the water far from shore without a life jacket or immediate help.

: Obviously, a life jacket is the most important thing, and parents should
: always be around whenever little kids are near the water, but should a kid
: be forced to sit on the shore until they can swim?

: What do you guys think?