Make Family Boating Enjoyable
Family boating means teaching your kids the basics of boating by giving them a hands-on learning experience!
Contents
Steps
- Educate the kids about boat terminology. Boating has its own language so its important for children to know what you're saying. Try purchasing a boating book or find a glossary of boating terms.
- Make sure kids are adequately dressed before leaving the dock. It is necessary to dress for conditions (heat, rain, cold) and also for the water. This may include waterproof articles and should always mean non-skid deck shoes.
- Familiarize them with basic navigational procedures, and show them how basic safety equipment works such as whistles, flares, fire extinguishers, and even the radio. In an emergency, your passengers may need to take over.
- Give each family member an on-board duty. Family boating responsibilities can range from going over a pre-departure checklist to serving as a lookout, and can also help instill your children with confidence. Working as a team is a great way to strengthen family ties.
- Have a project or destination in mind, whether it's finding the best skiing spot on the lake or stopping by a favorite inlet for a bit of sunbathing or sand castle-building.
- When boating with youngsters, consider family boats that have a kiddie cabin. Runabouts, bow riders and deck boats, even some center console fishing boats are sometimes equipped with a small kiddy cabin to offer a comfortable center to kids if they need a nap or are getting too much sun.
- Buy a good life-jacket or life vest with a collar that turns a child face up in the water. It must have strong waist and crotch straps, a handle on the collar, and preferably be a bright yellow or orange color for good visibility.
- Attach a plastic safety whistle to the life-jacket and teach the child how to use the whistle, and practice using it.
Tips
- If you plan on a longer family boating expedition, be sure to pack plenty of food and snacks to keep your kids happy and comfortable.
- Kids may need a break from the water at times as well, so card games, books, board games and other toys can help to keep kids occupied.
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References
- http://www.discoverboating.com Shared with permission.
