Basic Tips For Boating With Children
As a boat owner and yachting enthusiast, cruising with family and friends is likely part of the reason you purchased a boat in the first place. You cannot put a price on quality time and memories with loved ones. If you plan a day boating with young ones aboard, whether your own children, grandchildren, or nieces and nephews, we put together this guide to help you prepare for a safe and fun time on the water.
Life Jackets | UV Protection | Supplies | Safety
Back to the Basics
One of the first things you want to do as children board your boat is to inform them of basic safety rules. These boundaries are in place for their own wellbeing, and it is imperative they understand this. Simple habits such as no standing when the boat is moving, steer clear of the boat prop (outboards), never enter the water without an adult present, ditch bag whereabouts, and others will help set the tone for the day. Kids learn best when rules are in place, and one simple sentence, “if you cannot follow the rules, we will head home,” can go a long way.
Life Jackets Onboard
When it comes to children onboard, safety always comes first. Most state boating regulations require children under a certain age to wear a life jacket when underway. For additional security, kids should keep life vests on at all times. As a boat owner, it is your responsibility to have enough USCG-certified jackets onboard for children, along with adults. Ensure every kid on board has a life jacket that fits properly and is secure before leaving the dock. For information on life jacket requirements by state, click here.
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UV Protection
Stock up on plenty of sunscreen, not only for the children aboard but for the adults too. The last thing you want is a sunburned kid, which will make for an unhappy camper over the next few days. Water-resistant works best for children as they are always in and out of the water. Provide a sunscreen at least 30 SPF and reapply at the minimum every 2-3 hours of sun exposure.
For newborns and babies under 6 months, The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) says that parents can apply a minimal amount of baby-safe sunscreen with an SPF of 30-50 (no lower than SPF 15, though) to the face, back of the hands and tops of the feet. For babies 6 months or older, you can apply a baby-safe sunscreen with SPF 30–50 to all exposed areas of your little one’s body. You should ensure that your baby’s sunscreen doesn’t contain oxybenzone, an ingredient that might have hormonal effects, says Albert Yan, M.D., chief of pediatric dermatology at the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia. Another reason to pass on oxybenzone is due to the fact that it is harmful to coral reefs — in fact, Hawaii and some cities in Florida have passed bills banning sunscreen formulas that contain it.
Lightweight clothing is also great for additional sun protection. Clothing made from bamboo or linen material is ideal for keeping your little ones cool yet protected. Two brands we recommend are Angel Dear and Kate Quinn. SPF rash guard long-sleeve bathing suits are also another excellent, waterproof option for coverage. Ruffle Butts is a great brand, but there are so many other great options. Lastly, SPF hats with a drawstring guarantee further sun protection on sensitive areas such as the head and scalp.
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Pack Extra Supplies
Packing extra supplies is crucial for a day of boating with children. Extra towels, extra clothes, extra snacks, extra water — the word extra is pivotal here. The rule of thumb is to pack enough supplies for a night spent ashore, should the worst occur. This includes important medications, food, water, change of clothes, etc. Kids also get colder quicker, more so than adults, so the extra towels and change of clothes will come in handy after time in the ocean. After a few hours of boating, kids will likely need to replenish their energy, and everybody knows, hungry kids are unhappy kids. Bring plenty of snack options, and be sure to pack plenty of water on board to avoid dehydration. It is also important to pack books or download movies in advance so that when underway, your little ones are occupied, which prevents them from moving around the boat at full knot speed.
For newborns and toddlers that aren’t ready to be walking on their own, a comfortable carrier is essential for both baby and guardian. We recommend the Ergobaby Omni 360 All-Position Baby Carrier, which is made from a soft, durable mesh that allows for breathability and airflow. While most other carriers tend to trap and absorb heat, mesh fabric is superior for ensuring the baby stays cool in warmer boating weather that typically causes the baby to be uncomfortably warm. Additionally, this carrier allows for all carry positions – inward, front-outward, hip, and back carry – which provides the guardian with premium comfort and flexibility when aboard a moving vessel.
If planning on swimming with your little one, swim diapers are essential. Swim diapers differ from regular diapers because they do not absorb liquid rather, they only contain solids. There are both disposable and reusable swim diaper options on the market, so be sure to do some research when deciding which kind fits both you and your baby’s needs.
Additional boating items for babies and children that we recommend:
- Stroller Fan – great for those extra hot days with no wind.
- Ergonomic Baby Bouncer – perfect mobile seat to put the baby at any place on the boat, stores and travels well, too.
- Our pick: BABYBJÖRN Bouncer Balance
- Seat Booster Chair – excellent for a tabletop highchair option that can easily move up to the Flybridge or to the aft cockpit table.
- Our pick: Upseat Baby Floor Seat Booster Chair
- Waterproof Bag – wonderful for both boating and beach days, throwing on a golf cart at a marina or resort to head to the pool!
- Boat Shoes – knowing the intrinsic clumsiness of a toddler, having them wear shoes with a good grip and that are also waterproof is an all-around win!
- Our pick: Native Shoes – Jefferson Child
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Safe Spot Onboard
Having a space for a kid to escape the sun and elements is crucial when boating. If your yacht comes equipped with a salon, this is a perfect spot. If not, creating a designated area for kids to relax under a sun awning or umbrella goes a long way, especially if they require a nap. It is recommended that you assign an adult or guardian to each kid to maximize their safety when aboard. Decorate the space with pillows and toys to keep them comfortable and occupied when not in the water. When swimming off the boat, be sure to always tie floats with a line either freely or to their swim vest to allow for a fixed place for them to hold onto, prevent them from drifting too far, or allow for the ability to pull them in if need be.
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Have Fun!
Entertainment and fun are what boat days should consist of when cruising the waterways with children. In an age where technology is always forefront of the mind, we can still show kids how to have fun without it. Teaching them the love of the ocean at a young age can be a positive aspect later on in life. It also shows them the importance of quality time with loved ones. With that said, making the day memorable for kids is important and pretty simple. Packing plenty of water toys and games will accomplish just that. Whether snorkeling gear, water tubes, slides, jet skis, water-friendly games, or floatable mats, you are bound for a fun time out at sea.
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