Boating With Children
If you’re looking for a new and exciting way to enjoy the sunshine with your children, you should consider investing in a boat. You’ll have the key that’s needed to unlock some unique experiences that you’ll remember for a lifetime. It’s also a wonderful way to expose your kids to new activities. They’ll love the feeling of soaring across the water, whether they’re sitting in the boat as they enjoy the breeze or being towed behind it in an inner tube. Read on to learn more about boating with children.
For those who need assistance with service before the next adventure, be sure to visit our dealership. We can also help you if you’re still in the market for the perfect vessel. Stop by and see us in Lake George, NY!
Establish Ground Rules
You’ll want to start by establishing some ground rules. If this is the first time your kids will be heading out on the water, it’s important to teach them the basic safety rules. It’s easy for children to roam around the boat and lean over the sides to gaze at the water. This can be dangerous and lead to injuries or someone falling overboard.
As you probably already know, all passengers need to be wearing life jackets before they get on the boat. Even if everyone knows how to swim, this is an extra safety precaution that’ll protect all parties in case of an emergency. To prevent slipping and falling, make sure they’re aware that running is not allowed on the boat.
Most parents know all too well that there’s a major difference between teaching children the rules and getting them to follow the rules. One way to ensure they follow all the rules is to explain the reasoning behind them. It helps them better understand and retain the information.
Another technique you can try is to explain the rules when you’re back home. This way, you’re guaranteed to have their undivided attention. All the excitement of a new environment can make it difficult for them to pay close attention. Review the rules at home with them before each boating trip to confirm they haven’t forgotten anything.
Pack Essential Supplies
Next, remember to pack the essential supplies and gear you’ll need for a successful experience. As we mentioned earlier, everyone needs to wear a well-fitting life jacket. When it comes to children, there are a few things to look for. Head flotations ensure their heads remain above water. A crotch strap will prevent them from falling out of the vest. It’s also helpful to look for a model with self-righting features to keep them swimming in the right direction. Test the life jacket to confirm it fits properly before you head out on the water.
You can simplify the planning process by assembling a kit that’s filled with the supplies you’ll need for boating trips with the kids. Items you should include in the kit are a cooler with snacks, motion sickness medication, saltine crackers, ginger ale, bug repellent, sunscreen, and so on.
Make It Fun!
Last but certainly not least, don’t forget to make it a fun experience. While this might seem obvious, keep in mind that children tend to get bored much more easily than adults. They’re always looking for non-stop entertainment, especially when they’re still quite young.
You shouldn’t expect a boating trip with kids to be a quiet, leisurely experience. Be proactive and plan fun activities in advance. Some ideas include board games, art projects, charades, I Spy, and more. Allow them to participate in compiling the music playlist so they feel included. You can even assign them tasks about the craft to make them feel extra important.
We hope you’ve found our guide to boating with children to be helpful. If you’re still searching for the perfect boat, swing by Yankee Boating Center today! We’re conveniently located in Lake George, NY, near Haverstraw.