Have you tubed in freshwater?

This is what it would take for me to let my kid float tube. I'm having my first kid next March and I can't wait to take them tubing so as soon as they're able to fit into waders and have strong/long enough legs to move the tube they'll be out there - regardless of their age.

1) He/she would have to be an excellent swimmer

2) He/she would have to have a partner (of course that would be me!)

3) He/she would have to stick to low wave areas (harbors, freshwater, or places like the cove near U.C.S.B.) until he/she is strong enough or tall enough to deal with waves.

4) He/she would have to stay close to shore.

There is so much great fishing that can be done in less than 10 ft. of water. Probably 80% of my legal halibut this year were taken in less than 8 ft. of water.