Boating Safety With Children Onboard

Jul 3, 2024 | Swimming

boat and dock on lake

Boating with your children can create memories that will last a lifetime. Whether you’re cruising on a lake or navigating the open sea, the key to a fun day on the water is safety.

At Diventures, we believe that with the right precautions, you and your little ones can confidently enjoy all the joys of boating. Here are our top safety tips for keeping everyone safe while having a blast out on a boat.

Review Water Safety & Rules With Kids

Before venturing onto a water vessel such as a boat, canoe, or kayak, review water safety and establish clear rules with children of all ages. Talk about how to get on and off the boat, why we stay seated when the boat’s moving, what the captain will be watching for, and why we keep our hands and feet inside the boat (especially when docking). You can review these rules at home and on the car ride to your boating destination, too, to reinforce them. 

Life Jackets

Before you even step foot on the boat, make sure everyone has a properly fitting life jacket. It’s essential for all passengers, but especially for kids. Choose a life jacket that’s U.S. Coast Guard-approved and designed for your child’s weight and size. The goal is a snug fit. To check the fit, pull up on the shoulders of your child’s life jacket; and tell them to raise their arms and relax. If the jacket fits, your child’s chin and ears won’t slip through.

Remember, the best life jacket is the one they’ll wear, so let them pick a fun color or style they like!

girl in pink life jacket on boat

Sit Down & Hold On

Teach your kids the importance of sitting down and holding onto the boat while it’s moving. Sudden movements or waves can cause them to lose their balance, so it’s important they understand the need to stay seated and hold on tight.

Never Sit On The Edge

Children should never sit on the edge of the boat. It’s easy to lose balance and fall into the water, especially when the boat is moving. Make it a rule that everyone stays safely inside the boat’s perimeter.

Captains Are Adults

Children are naturally curious so it’s essential to teach them not to touch the captain’s control panel while boating. The control panel is crucial for navigating and ensuring everyone’s safety. If children have permission and are supervised, they can assist the captain, but they should never operate the controls alone. This practice helps instill respect for boating equipment and reinforces the importance of safety on the water.

Permission To Exit

Constantly remind children of all ages, that they need permission to exit the boat. Whether they are stepping onto the dock or getting into the water, this rule ensures that an adult can inspect the situation before granting permission and assist if needed. 

Caution Behind Boats

Teach children to be cautious around the back of the boat near the engine and to avoid the propeller while in the water. Educate them on the prop while the boat is out of the water on the trailer so they can see it and ask questions.

Safety Tips For Parents When Boating

While teaching kids about water safety is crucial, the ultimate responsibility for their safety and well-being rests with the parents. Below are a few of the many things parents should consider and enforce when out on a boat with children.

Check The Weather

Weather can change rapidly on the water, so always check the forecast before you venture out on a boat. If storms or high winds are predicted, it’s best to reschedule for another day.

Even if the weather forecast looks ideal for boating, you should check the forecast throughout the day to stay updated on any sudden changes that could impact your safety.

Supervision Saves Lives

Supervision is the number one safety rule when it comes to safety in and around the water. Make sure that at least one adult is keeping a close watch on all children while near or on a boat.

Consider assigning a “Water Watcher” to keep a vigilant eye on children, and rotate the duty among sober and responsible adults so everyone gets time to enjoy the trip.

Be A Role Model

Kids learn by watching, so when adults practice water safety rules diligently, they demonstrate the importance of staying safe in and around the water. 

By following boating protocols, and water safety rules, adults not only protect themselves but also set a positive example for their own children, children around them, and even adults. 

First Aid On Board

Accidents can happen, so it’s best to be prepared. Stock your boat with a well-equipped first aid kit that includes bandages, antiseptic wipes, insect repellent, and motion sickness remedies. Knowing basic first aid and CPR can be a real lifesaver in emergencies.

Be Cautious With Attachments

While using leashes or harnesses to attach children to the boat might seem like a way to keep them close, these can be extremely dangerous in unfortunate situations. If you need to evacuate the boat quickly or if rough waters cause someone to go overboard unintentionally, you may not have time to remove the attachment in time. 

Adult Swim Lessons

Want to be more confident in the water with your kids or grandkids? We offer adult swim lessons year-round! Our teachers help swimmers of all ages master essential water safety and swim skills in a fun and supportive environment. 
Adult Swim Lessons

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