Thread: Stingrays/Children

Originally Posted by tipsyq

was all for swimming w/ stingrays, wanted to do it on our next cruise. (swam & rode on the dolphins in Nassau and was a dream of a lifetime). but after that Irwin guy was stung, and him being a professional, think will admire them from fishtanks in aquariums. they are still wild animals and you are in their territory and they can get defensive if feel being threatened.
we live on LI and in the sound/bays are many horseshoe crabs, which are harmless till you step on them, then they think they are being attacked and will barb you( it's not deadly but way painful !!) and we told GK not to step on them. being kids, and playing in water etc what happens?? thankfully, the crab scuttled off w/o sticking. after that they're real careful where they step now. so kids can be told but in the excitement of the moment etc they will forget to be cautious.
so I for one, will skip the stingray swims.

IMHO, you will be missing out on a great experience. We liked it so much, we have done it twice in The Caymans. It was just too fun. I hope you change your mind.

thanks all of you for the advice, now just have to convince the husband. I am always willing to try everything at least once. he's more cautious but will go along to make sure I "behave".

not sure if like the idea of them being debarbed, like a cat being declawed, they're so defenseless then, but also see the reasoning for it. the places that run these programs prob have to do it for ins. purposes.

I was thinking about taking my 7 & 3 year old, not a good idea?

I wouldnn't UNLESS:

• Both children can swm (not just dog paddle) and have the endurance to do so for an extended period without being able to touch bottom
• There would be 2 adults - one to tend each of the children at all times
• Neither child is the overly fearful or overly agressive type in the presence of' creatures they are encountring for the first time, and which may seem very strange to them
• Both children can be absolutely and reliably counted on to respond to instructions by following them immediately and completely without question or the need to be cajoled

Note from the RCL website on the depth of the water:

This tour is in relatively shallow water (usually 3-7 feet), but the depth can change depending on the tides. Note: Guests 16 and under must be accompanied by an adult

Canarymoon has given you good advice!

Young children are sometimes unpredictable and can put themselves in danger in the twinkling of an eye.......

Do the tours list a minimum age?

This might be one of those educational experiences better left till they can appreciate the wonder and magnificence of these creatures of the deep.

Has anyone had any recent experiences that they would like to share vis a vis young children and swimming with the rays?

Originally Posted by LuLu

Wonder what the Animal Rights sort of groups think of this?

I am sure PETA hates the idea. But then, some PETA people think putting a collar on a dog is cruel.

In any case, I would not take a very young child (under 6) to swim with stingrays any more than I would turn a child that age loose in with a roomful of young puppies. The experience would not be good for the child or the puppies!