Boating with Your Kids
When your family starts to grow, you’ll probably want to start sharing your favorite pastimes with your kids—pastimes such as boating! Boating with kids might sound like a chore, but with the right strategy, you’ll be able to create lasting memories and give you and your children a new way to enjoy your time together. To help you get started, Active Water Sports has provided some tips to make boating with your kids a little bit easier and a lot more fun. You can also stop by one of our locations in Beaverton and Oregon City, Oregon, to chat with our friendly staff about some of their tips.
Teach Your Kids How to Swim
Everyone on board your boat should be able to swim. This includes the kids, even the young ones. Officially, children as young as 1 can begin learning how to swim and get used to the water, although more formal lessons generally start around 4 years of age. The earlier this all happens, the sooner you’ll be able to take them out on the water.
You’ll also want to take some time to inform your kids how to swim in the areas you’ll be boating. For example, boating in the ocean can present different swimming challenges compared to river boating. Keep this in mind when talking to your kids about safety.
Getting Used to Life Jackets
Life jackets are a must for everyone, but some of the newer boaters might not like the feeling. They don’t get a choice in this, so the best way to keep them from picking at their life jackets is to get them used to the feeling of wearing one. This should include a crotch strap, which they might be particularly inclined to mess with. If you have a pool, or have access to a pool, going for a swim with life jackets on in this more controlled environment can be a great way to get them ready.
It’s up to you to ensure everyone is wearing the right size life jacket and that you’re setting a good example by wearing one yourself. We also recommend attaching a marine whistle to your children’s jackets so they can call for help if needed.
Establish Safety Rules
Safety first, especially when there are children on board. Make sure everyone understands the safety rules and that everyone is following them, including the adults. You can even print out your rules and put them in a waterproof sleeve to display somewhere on the boat. This can include things like sitting while the boat is moving, keeping a safe distance from the edge when there’s no adult around, and anything else that might be pertinent.
For you, this also means making sure the boat is fully stocked with safety gear. At the very least, this should include:
Throwable life ring
First aid kit
Toolkit
Fire extinguisher
Keep Them Warm
Remember that once you hit the water, even on a warm day, it’s going to be significantly cooler. Bring along spare coats and blankets, as well as dry towels in case someone gets too wet and the wind starts to pick up. You can also look for vessels that come with their own cabin so your kids have somewhere to go if they need a break from the elements.
Reduce Sun Exposure
Even if it’s feeling nippy, extended exposure to the sun’s harmful rays can leave a nasty sunburn. Don’t forget that these rays are reflected off the water, which can cause permanent eye damage if you’re not careful.
Make sure everyone is wearing plenty of sunscreen and reapplying as directed. Try to cover up if possible and let everyone bring along their favorite pair of sunglasses for proper eye protection. Covering up will be especially important for babies too young for sunscreen.
Remember to Have Fun!
Don’t forget that going out on the water is about connecting to your family and having fun! Plan activities that’ll be relaxing and enjoyable for everyone. When you’re having fun, they’re having fun, so enjoy yourself!
Before you can enjoy time on the water with your kids and family, you’ll need the right boat! Stop by Active Water Sports and we’ll give you the complete tour of available options so you’re ready to go when the weather warms up again. We proudly serve Portland, Salem, and Eugene, Oregon, so stop by today!