if you want something that is easy to learn how to handle (ie streetsweeper) you might consider this. all be it i am a grown man w/no little kids around, and do keep my sidearm secured... as was mentioned you dont wanna bring a knife to a gun fight, or 'better to have it/not need it than need it not have it'
although there were some hooligans on a neighboring dock the other night trying (probably just to joy ride) a boat, and were scared off by an air
horn.
http://www.mossberg.com/images/Mossb.../New/51340.jpg