Safety Rules for Boating with Kids

Boating provides children with memories that will last a lifetime. Some of my best childhood memories are of sailing of fishing with family as a boy. A simple mishap, though, can render these lifelong boating memories into fears. It's important to teach your children the ins and outs of life aboard your boat from the beginning. Doing so will help to ensure that you are raising the next generation of enthusiastic boaters.

In all things, safety should be a parent or guardian's number one priority, and boating is no exception. Make sure that all children on board your vessel are wearing life jackets that are of the appropriate size for the child. A poorly-sized life jacket does little good when it's needed, and can actually entangle a child in the water. If you don't have any child or toddler-sized life jackets on board, go and pick one up before you cast off. Life jackets should fit snugly without binding, and when fastened, should be impossible to lift above the ears of the wearer. While laws in most states require all children to wear life jackets, it's your job to ensure that the life jackets are fitted and fastened appropriately the whole time you are on the water. Complaints that life jackets are uncomfortable should fall on deaf ears in this day and age - the giant orange puffy life preservers of our childhood are things of the past, and today's life jackets are flexible, fitted, and streamlined for all-day wear. The most committed and safety-conscious among us big-people will set a good example by purchasing and wearing a comfortable life vest ourselves.

Teach kids the "one hand for yourself, one for the boat" rule when moving about the vessel. Learning to keep one hand in a position that stabilizes the boater and keeps them upright and on-board at all times is especially important for those with a developing sense of balance and little experience on floors that move. Even the slightest wake can send an unprepared child sprawling. Relegate children to central locations during foul weather or heavy chop, keeping them away from the rails whenever possible. Rough waters are hard enough for adults, and children need special attention during these times. Be prepared during these times with seasickness bags, and if your child is prone to motion sickness, talk to their doctor about the advisability and dosage of medication. Never medicate a child without talking to a doctor first.

Lastly, impress upon your children how important listening to and heading instructions on board the boat. Institute a zero tolerance policy for roughhousing or ignoring your instructions on board. A skipper needs to be listened to immediately, for everyone's safety, and while it may seem heavy-handed, it surely pays off when it keeps everyone involved safe from harm.

Boating is a pastime that can and should be enjoyed by people of all ages. Escaping the hustle and bustle of life ashore provides an opportunity for people of all generations to spend time together, bond, and create lifelong memories. Take the time to ensure that children on board your boat understand the safety requirements and procedures you use, and your family will surely have a great time.