Want to build lasting memories? Boating with your kids is the way to do that! They’ll love watching the world whiz by as the sun beats down on their face, then having the fun continue when they arrive at their destination. Boating is a great way to spend your summer and time as a family. However, with all the chaos of rounding up the kids for a boating outing, you forget the basics of taking first timers and younglings on a trip. We’ve gathered some tips below to help you establish safety rules, what supplies you’ll need and how to keep the trip fun for those who need extra entertainment!
Establish Safety Rules
Safety is the most important part of a boating excursion so there are a few rules you will want to enforce. Teaching your children the rules is a process and it takes time to explain the reasoning behind each, but when kids know the “why” behind a rule, they are more likely to remember it and follow it. Before the first few boat rides, spend a few minutes reviewing all of the rules. Keep things light, but enforce the rules from day one! Good rules to follow are…
- Everyone should put on life jackets before you enter the boat and keep them on until you leave the boat. Adults can also wear life vests to set a good example for the kids
- Keep hands and legs inside the boat at all times
- Don’t lean over the side
- No running on the boat
Bring Supplies
Safety items are crucial for a boating outing, but do not forget the other supplies to make the ride more comfortable such as…
- life jackets
- first aid kit
- cooler with snacks
- dramamine, 7-up or saltine crackers to reduce sea sickness
- sunscreen and sunglasses to fight the burning sun
- bug repellent to keep those nibblers at bay
- a change of clothes
- towels and blankets
Keep The Ride Fun
Although adults have an easier time gazing off into the horizon, children have a shorter attention span and may have trouble engaging on boat rides. Try to spice up your boat ride with…
- games and toys
- I Spy, the Alphabet Game or games that get them engaged with their environment
- let them create the ride playlist
- give them fun tasks like sitting up front with the captain to “assist” with navigation, help put the bumpers on the boat before docking, etc.
- give them a reward for their good behavior like stopping for ice cream later
With a little creativity and effort, you can keep any boating trip fun from start to finish. For all of your boating needs, visit Longshore Boats where we stock boat tubes, children life jackets and more!