How To Keep Kids Safe While Boating
Boating with kids can be a great way to create everlasting memories and have fun on the waters of the West Coast & Great Lakes in Canada. However, when you set out on a boating adventure with your little ones, you need to consider some crucial aspects and ensure everyone has a good time.
Read on, as in this blog post, we will detail the recommended tips from experts.
1. Safety First, Always
Ensure you equip the vessel with all essential safety gear. Get the proper life jacket for everyone aboard, especially children. Investing in well-fitting, quality life jackets with a head cushion for kids gives extra protection and enables them to enjoy their time with a comfortable outfit. Having a first-aid kit, sunscreen, and a well-stocked cooler with snacks and drinks for boating or fishing trips is also wise.
2. Timing is Everything
Kids have their schedules. Plan your boating adventures in BC around their nap times or when they are typically in their best spirits. Short, manageable trips can be more enjoyable for everyone involved, especially if it’s their first time on a boat.
3. Guide Them to Follow Safety Rules and Guidelines
Before you hit the water, remind everyone about the boat safety tips, local guidelines, and how to tackle emergencies like sudden bad weather conditions. Show them how to move around the deck and other areas when the boat is running at different speeds, how to tighten or loosen the flotation device, how to use essential marine electronic parts & devices like GPS, radio on the boat, etc. A quick session covering such points is recommended even if your kids have travelled with you before.
4. Involve Kids in Boating Activities
Teach them basic boat safety, how to tie fishing knots, and how to read simple charts. Involve them in small tasks like coiling ropes, dropping an anchor, stowing things away, or helping with docking. These lessons will not only boost their confidence but also make them feel like vital members of the crew.
Visit Vancouver Island fishing boat dealers with your children to make them aware of different types of boats, engines, and components. Kids around eight or ten can even enroll in boating courses in your area to learn about basic handling and operational activities. Boating knowledge will reduce boredom, make them safer, and allow them to enjoy the time to the fullest.
5. Get Extra Help
Plan to bring enough adults on board, especially when kids move around the deck. Hold children in your arms or make them sit appropriately with all safety equipment when in motion. Having enough people on the boat ensures continuous observation of the kids’ activities, keeping them in a safe place while you are navigating through bad weather conditions and helping in emergencies. It also allows you to focus on boating and other essential activities.
6. Planning for Enough Supplies
Pack plenty of drinks and snacks that kids will enjoy. Extra clothes, towels, pacifiers, waterproof diapers, extra fuel, waterproof cameras, VHF radio, etc., can be a good add-on.
Choose the correct option from available boats for sale in British Columbia according to the size of members on board, activities you plan to do on the water, and your preferences.
A reputed boat dealer can help you select a suitable model and equip it with all essential supplies. Following the manufacturer’s weight capacity when loading the boat is important. Overloading the vessel can make it unstable and dangerous.
Conclusion
Boating with children is a chance to introduce them to a world of marine adventure while ensuring their safety and comfort. We hope the above tips help you to embark on a journey filled with joy, exploration, and the pure delight of watching your kids fall in love with the water, just like you did.
Whether you are looking for the right boat for family fishing trips or a place to book for marine services, the Alberni Power & Marine team is always ready to help. Visit us at our Port Alberni boat showroom, or connect with us to make your boating adventures memorable!