Chuck, As you say, we decide for ourselves. Deciding for children is another matter, and I don't think age is relevant long as they are capable of understanding. As I don't have children they would not be mine, so the parents would have to decide for them or let them decide for themselves.
BTW, the water temperatures our way are a bit higher, but I don't think that's the deciding factor. What matters to me, and I can only speak for myself, is that I live my life to the full, which means accepting the risk and then doing what I want to do.
If I die while active and fit then I have lost some time on this earth. If I linger in a home for the bewildered then what have I gained?
I will take sensible precautions against death by stupidity. I won't cower in my bedroom in case I catch cold. I don't think flying single engine over water is a worse risk than many other common activities. If I am wrong, then so be it. My life, my choice.