Boating Safety Tips for Kids

Colman June 3, 2014Boating Tips

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Please use these tips to stay safe when you get where you’re going!

Boating can be a fun activity for children and adults alike. But, as with many outdoor activities, there are some risks involved unless proper safety measures are taken into consideration.

The best way to ensure a safe boat ride where children are involved is to prevent any accidents from occurring in the first place. The owner of the boat should be responsible for checking all equipment, navigation devices, and emergency supplies found on board and the person navigating the vessel should be up to date on current weather and water conditions to avoid unsafe areas.

All persons responsible for owning, maintaining, and operating the vessel should be made aware of the procedures to be followed in the case of an emergency. All adults on board should be made aware that there are children who should be monitored. It is ideal to have an adult present (either a passenger or a crew member depending on the circumstances) who is an experienced swimmer and who is properly trained in handling water-related emergencies, performing CPR, and administering general first-aid.

Even with watchful adults and detailed emergency planning, accidents can still occur so any children on board should be given simple instructions to follow while on the vessel. Adults should advise children to stay firmly on the deck areas and not climb on any of the railings, ropes, or structures that they may see.

They should also be warned about approaching other areas of the boat that may be dangerous including electrical sources, engines, and propellers. If young passengers get bored and restless, they are more likely to wander off around the ship, which can lead to trouble. To avoid this, be sure to provide plenty of entertainment options with which to keep kids occupied.

Children should also practice putting on a personal floatation device (PFD) by themselves and know where such devices can be found on board. Depending on the type of boat and the conditions of the water, it may be advisable for children to wear a PFD for the duration of the voyage. Most importantly, children should be acutely aware of where to go in the case of an emergency.

Parents and children should establish an easy-to-find meeting point in case they get separated. On larger vessels, such meeting points may be pre-established by the crew.

If the children on board vary widely in age, it can be helpful to enlist a buddy system and assign older children a younger child to keep an eye on. Make sure that all older children are aware of the safety rules mentioned above and follow them strictly. Younger children may be tempted to act out if they see other people doing the same.

Boating can be a great family activity that helps children learn to appreciate the great outdoors. Although accidents can occur, most are easily preventable by following simple safety measures like the ones above. Making everyone on board aware of any dangers and what to do in the case of an emergency is the best way to ensure a safer, peaceful voyage.