One of the best ways to spend quality time and create memories with your family is by taking them boating. But those with children may see this as more of a challenge since children’s safety and comfort must be taken into account. But these challenges are easy to overcome if you know how to prepare your kids for a boating adventure. Below, you’ll find some strategies you can utilize when taking your kids out boating so that everyone has a fun, safe and enjoyable experience.
Acclimate Kids to Life Jackets
Every child should wear a life jacket, otherwise known as a personal flotation device or PFD, while they’re on board a boat and at the dock when embarking and disembarking. Make sure to purchase PFDs that fit your child now (not PFDs for them to “grow into”) with features like a crotch strap to prevent the jacket from slipping off and head flotation to keep their nose and mouth above water. Have children try on life jackets to find one that fits and then wear them in a shallow pool or lake to become comfortable with them. As an adult, you can encourage all adult and teenage passengers to wear life jackets on your boat to model good behavior for kids.
Pack Plenty of Supplies
Children have many more needs than adults that will need to be addressed. Otherwise, they won’t be happy and you won’t, either. Pack a cooler full of snacks and drinks so they can stay full and hydrated. Examples include sandwiches, crackers, string cheese, yogurt, granola bars, juice boxes, milk cartons, and bottled water.
Pack extra clothing and towels because kids are very likely to get wet and feel cold. Sweaters, jackets, socks, and blankets should be stowed in a dry bag with other supplies so they don’t get wet.
Keep Your First Aid Kit Stocked
You’ll also want to have a well-stocked first-aid kit on hand to address illnesses or injuries. For seasickness, carry ginger and peppermint teas or candies. Only children older than the age of 12 should take motion-sickness medications like Dramamine, so do not administer this to younger kids. For minor injuries, bring bandages, waterproof medical tape, gauze, antibiotic cream, petroleum jelly, tweezers, nail clippers, bug spray, sunscreen, aloe vera, and calamine lotion. Children’s aspirin is good to have on hand as well.
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