How early can you get your kids started on the boat life? Some kiddos seem to be born seafarers, while others are more hesitant. Either way, there’s nothing better than being on the water with your family. Taking a boat out for a day on the lagoon or intracoastal is a great way to make memories that your kids will never forget.
In this guide, we’re going to answer all of your questions about boating with babies, toddlers, and kids. If you follow the right child boating safety measures, your kids can start enjoying family outings on the water from a very young age.
Boating With Babies
For your baby’s first boating trip, keep it short and sweet. You don’t know how they will react to being on the water for the first time, so it’s a good idea to take the boat out to a lake and stay close to the shore.
To get them comfortable with being in the water, start baby swim lessons when they are a couple of months old. The lessons will also teach them how to float, which increases their safety on boat trips.
Of course, your baby should also be wearing a life jacket. Let them wear the life jacket at home so that they get comfortable with how it feels before going out on the water.
Boating With Toddlers
When your baby turns into a toddler, they can start enjoying family boating activities more. They are also more observant and want to push their boundaries at this age, so make sure you model boat safety for them through your own behavior.
For example, keep your own lifejacket on at all times so that it’s easier to enforce that they need to wear theirs at all times too. Additionally, teach them that they always stay on the boat unless you give them permission to go swimming.
Speaking of swimming, they should still be in regular swim lessons at this age so they can stay safe and have fun in the water.
Boating With Kids
These are the years you’ve been waiting for. If your kids started boating at a young age, this is when they can really enjoy it. They should already be comfortable on the water, know the basic safety procedures, and be able to participate in more boating activities and water sports.
If you didn’t start your kids on a boat as a baby, or if they still haven’t found their sea legs, don’t push them. Boating should be fun and memorable. Watch for their cues and modify your boating trips around their comfort levels.
Remember to always pack snacks, kids sunscreen, and plenty of water for long days on the boat. A hat, life jacket, and kid-sized water shoes will complete their safety outfit.
Maintaining Child Boating Safety
When you start your kids on the water early, they will grow up learning about child boating safety. However, it’s always good to review your safety rules before any boating trip.
Hopefully, this guide makes you excited about boating with babies, toddlers, and kids. For more helpful resources, check out the rest of the blog and rent a boat here.