Summer brings families to the water in droves, with boating adventures offering some of the season’s most cherished memories. Whether you’re planning a day of fishing, water skiing, or simply cruising around the lake, ensuring your children’s safety should be your top priority. With proper preparation and vigilance, you can create an environment where fun and safety go hand in hand.
Life Jackets: Your First Line of Defense
The most critical safety measure for children on boats is proper life jacket usage. Every child should wear a Coast Guard-approved personal flotation device (PFD) at all times while on deck. This rule applies regardless of swimming ability, weather conditions, or proximity to shore. Even strong swimmers can become disoriented or injured in the water, making a life jacket their lifeline. You only need to Google “airboat accident Lafitte” to understand how dangerous boating can get.
When selecting a life jacket, ensure it fits snugly but comfortably. The jacket should not ride up over the child’s chin when lifted by the shoulder straps. Different types of PFDs serve various purposes, so choose one appropriate for your boating activities. Type I jackets offer the most buoyancy and are ideal for offshore waters, while Type II jackets work well for calm inland waters where rescue is likely to be quick.
Establishing Clear Rules and Boundaries
Before leaving the dock, establish clear safety rules with your children. Designate specific areas where they can move freely and areas that are off-limits. The bow and stern often present particular hazards, especially when docking or anchoring. Children should understand that running on a boat is dangerous due to the constantly shifting deck and potential for falls overboard.
Create a buddy system where children are paired together and responsible for keeping track of each other. This helps ensure no one goes unnoticed if they move to a different part of the boat. Teach children to ask permission before changing locations on the vessel and to always inform an adult of their whereabouts.
Sun Protection and Hydration
The marine environment amplifies sun exposure through reflection off the water, making children particularly vulnerable to sunburn and heat-related illness. Apply broad-spectrum sunscreen with at least SPF 30 thirty minutes before sun exposure, and reapply every two hours or after swimming. Don’t forget often-missed areas like ears, feet, and the back of the neck.
Provide wide-brimmed hats and UV-protective clothing for extended sun exposure. Consider creating shaded areas on your boat using bimini tops or umbrellas where children can retreat from direct sunlight. Dehydration happens quickly on the water, so ensure children drink water regularly, even if they don’t feel thirsty. Limit sugary drinks and caffeine, which can contribute to dehydration.
Swimming and Water Activities
When children swim from the boat, always have a designated adult supervisor whose sole responsibility is watching them in the water. This person should not be engaged in other activities like fishing or socializing. Use a swim ladder or platform to make water entry and exit safer, and ensure children know how to use these features properly.
Consider the water conditions before allowing swimming. Strong currents, cold water, or heavy boat traffic create additional hazards. If you’re in unfamiliar waters, check for underwater obstacles, depth changes, or dangerous marine life. Never allow children to swim alone, and establish clear boundaries for how far they can swim from the boat.
Engine and Propeller Safety
Propellers pose one of the most serious threats to children on boats. Establish an absolute rule that the engine must be completely shut off whenever anyone is in the water near the boat. This includes swimming, boarding, or retrieving items from the water. Teach children to never swim near the stern of any boat, whether it’s yours or another vessel.
When the engine is running, ensure children understand they must stay away from the stern area. Consider installing a propeller guard if your boat operates in areas where swimming is common. Always do a headcount before starting the engine to ensure everyone is safely aboard and accounted for.
Emergency Preparedness
Prepare your children for potential emergencies by conducting safety drills before problems arise. Teach them how to use the marine radio to call for help, including the proper use of channel 16 for emergencies. Show them where safety equipment is stored, including fire extinguishers, flares, and first aid supplies.
Children should know how to throw a life ring to someone in the water and understand basic man-overboard procedures. Practice these skills in calm conditions so they become second nature. Ensure your boat carries appropriate safety equipment for the number of passengers and your planned activities.
Weather Awareness
Children often don’t recognize changing weather conditions that can create dangerous situations. Teach them to identify signs of approaching storms, such as darkening clouds, increasing wind, or sudden temperature drops. Explain why it’s important to head for shore when weather conditions deteriorate.
Monitor weather forecasts before departing and continue checking conditions throughout your trip. Have a plan for seeking shelter if severe weather approaches, and don’t hesitate to cut your trip short if conditions become questionable.
Creating Lasting Memories Safely
Boating with children requires extra vigilance, but the rewards of sharing your love for the water with the next generation are immeasurable. By prioritizing safety and establishing clear expectations, you create an environment where children can develop confidence and appreciation for boating while staying protected.
Remember that children learn by example. When they see adults consistently following safety protocols, wearing life jackets, and making responsible decisions, they internalize these behaviors for their own future boating experiences. Your commitment to safety today helps ensure they’ll become responsible boaters tomorrow, carrying forward a tradition of safe and enjoyable time on the water.
