Boating with your kids is a great way to bond as a family and create lasting memories. Whether you’re heading out for a short ride or planning a full day on the water, keeping safety in mind is essential for a fun and worry-free adventure. To help you prepare, here are the top 8 safety tips for boating with kids.
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1) Always Have Kids Wear Coast Guard-approved life Jackets.
Whenever you take kids on a boat, make sure each child wears a life jacket that is approved by the U.S. Coast Guard. This isn’t just a suggestion—it’s actually the law for children under 13 in most places in the USA.
A life jacket should fit snugly and feel comfortable. If it rides up around your child’s face or slips off easily, it’s too big. So, always double-check the size and fit before heading out.
You might think it’s fine for kids to take off their life jackets for a minute, but accidents can happen fast around water. Even strong swimmers need life jackets when boating or near open water.
If your boat has an enclosed cabin, kids don’t need to wear life jackets while they’re inside, but as soon as they step outside, the jackets must go back on.
2) Keep Your Kids in the Shade as Much as Possible.
The sun is already intense, but on the water, it’s even more, and kids are more vulnerable to sunburn and heat exhaustion. Whenever possible, have your kids stay under a canopy, bimini top, or use umbrellas to create shady spots on the boat.
Take breaks in the shade and apply sunscreen every couple of hours, especially after swimming.
Lightweight, long-sleeved shirts, hats, and sunglasses offer extra protection. Keeping kids cool and shaded helps them enjoy the day without the risk of overheating or painful sunburns.
3) Never Leave Young Kids Alone on the Boat.
No matter how safe your boat feels or how well your kids behave, never leave young children alone on board, even for a short time. Kids are curious by nature, and can wander near the edge, or touch controls, which can lead to dangerous situations in just seconds.
Always make sure a responsible adult is present and supervising whenever kids are on the boat. If you need to step away, bring your kids with you or ask another adult to watch them closely.
It only takes a moment for something unexpected to happen, so constant supervision is crucial to keep everyone safe and give you peace of mind during your boating adventure.
4) Make Your Kids Wear Non-Slip Waterproof Shoes.
Boat decks can get wet and slippery, especially after swimming or when there’s spray from the water. To help prevent slips and falls, make sure your kids wear non-slip, waterproof shoes every time they’re on the boat.
These shoes provide better grip and protect your kids’ feet from hot surfaces, sharp objects, or fish hooks that might be on the floor. Look for shoes that fit snugly and dry quickly—there are lots of fun, colorful options that kids will love to wear.
Remind your kids to keep their shoes on, even if they’re just moving around for a minute. It’s a simple habit that keeps everyone steadier and safer on board.
5) Keep Your Kids Hydrated.
Boating is a lot of fun, but with the wind and water, you hardly feel the heat of the sun. Kids can get dehydrated faster than adults, especially when they’re swimming in the sea, tubing behind the boat, or playing around on the deck.
Make sure to pack plenty of water and remind your kids to take regular sips, even if they don’t feel thirsty. Also, bring fruits with high water content, such as watermelon, melon, apples, and oranges. In short, keep them hydrated, no matter how. It’s super important!
6) Use Designated Swimming Areas with Clear Signage.
When stopping your boat for swimming, drop anchor only in places where there is no boat traffic. Look for swimming areas that are marked with clear signs. These spots are chosen because they are safer and meant for swimming, not for boats passing through.
Swimming outside of designated areas puts you and your kids at risk. Boats do not always see swimmers, and underwater hazards may not be marked. So, always check for signs that show where it’s allowed to swim.
If you’re not sure, ask a staff member or check a local map. Sometimes, even if the water looks calm, hidden dangers can make it risky. Sticking to designated areas helps avoid unwanted surprises.
7) Choose Calm Weather and Daylight Hours for Outings.
When you plan a boating trip with kids, it’s wiser to choose calm days with little wind and smooth water, as it’s much safer for families. Windy or stormy weather can make the boat rock, which might scare your kids or make them feel sick.
It’s also a good idea to stick to daylight hours for your outings. Good visibility makes it easier to see other boats, swimmers, and any obstacles in the water.
If your kids are young, they’ll feel more comfortable and relaxed when the weather is nice and the water is still. Also, try to make a lot of stops so the kids can snorkel, swim, and play on the beach.
If you go boat camping, you won’t need to make many stops, as you can camp on land and go boating whenever you feel like it.
8) Teach Your Kids About Safety Equipment.
Before you set off, take a few minutes to show your kids where all the safety equipment is stored on the boat, like life jackets, first aid kits, fire extinguishers, and emergency signals.
Explain what each item is for and how it’s used, using simple language and even a quick demonstration if possible. Let them know that these tools help keep everyone safe, not just for emergencies.
When kids understand what safety gear looks like and how it works, they’ll be less likely to panic if something goes wrong and will know how to help or get help faster.
Making safety part of your boating routine helps build confidence and responsibility in your little crew members, and trust me, they’ll love it!
Final Words!
I don’t know a single kid who doesn’t love boats—do you? No matter their age, kids will always enjoy adventuring at sea. However, it’s important to follow some basic rules to keep them safe. If you stick to these guidelines, you and your kids will have a fun and stress-free boating trip. Keep a close eye on them, make sure they stay well hydrated, limit their sun exposure, use plenty of sun protection, and of course, never forget their life jackets!
Daniella has been passionate about travel, the sea, and nature for many years. As a child, she frequently traveled throughout the Mediterranean and continued with her journeys throughout her adult life.
Her experiences have created the desire within her to share her love for traveling with other passionate and adventurers who want to discover beautiful horizons and new cultures.
