Boating with kids means sharing an adventure; in the parlance of shrinks, it’s a wonderful bonding time. But there are always safety concerns, so here’s how to handle them.
Conditions: Choose wisely, because rough seas are tough on little kids. Opt for boating locations that are calm and protected. Early mornings on Tampa Bay can be a great time to help your kiddos get their sea legs.
Training: Just as cabin crews brief airline passengers, give a pre-departure talk. Explain everything from how to use the toilet to how to respond if someone falls overboard.
Safety: Have discussions about safety and emphasize the old sailor axiom: “One hand for you, one hand for the boat.” For very small children, consider adding lifeline netting around the perimeter of the boat to eliminate falls overboard.
Life Jackets: Every—EVERY!—youngster on a boat must have their own flotation device (PFD), called a life jacket. Buy one that fits comfortably (neoprene ones are soft), and for very small kids, find one with an eye for clipping a tether. A short “leash” keeps them in safe areas of the cockpit.
Tip: buy (and wear) a similar life jacket so they’ll feel like part of the crew.
Sun Protection: Protect their delicate skin and renew that covering regularly because kids wear it off. Think SPF 50 minimum for sun lotion, zinc oxide for lips and a hat to shade the head. Get them a cool set of sunglasses (with a retainer) to protect their vision.
Miscellaneous: If swimming is in the program, invest in a rash-guard swimsuit and a puddle-jumper swim float. Help them make a scrapbook of their boating adventures: pictures, drawings, brochures and always include shells or driftwood discoveries. Let your kids get involved in boat operations, too—not just steering, but looking at charts and planning the course.
Chris Caswell is an award-winning writer and the former editor of several yachting magazines. He has appeared on Oprah as a boating lifestyle expert and hosted the Marine Voyager series on the Speed Channel.
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