Tips for Boating with Children

Once you find the right boat for your family, you’ll probably be eager to take your kids onto the water with you. After all, with all the great memories you’ve made while boating, it’s only natural that you’d want to share them with your family. However, boating with children can present some unique challenges, so to help you prepare, we’ve provided a guide to safe and fun family boating.

Get Them Used to Life Jackets

If you want to bring your kids along with you on your vessel, they need to be wearing a life jacket, just like everyone else on the boat. Of course, life jackets can sometimes be uncomfortable if you’re not used to them, so it might take a little time for them to adjust. Make sure you’re giving them a life jacket that fits and get new ones as they grow.

Establish Safety Rules

Set some ground rules about safety and make sure everyone understands them. Make sure to include rules about not running, not sitting on the edge of the boat, and not distracting the driver when they’re navigating the boat. It might also be a good idea to let everyone on the boat know where the safety equipment is, including the fire extinguisher and first-aid kit.

Bring Supplies

Part of preparing means bringing all the right supplies to keep everyone happy and healthy. This might include extra food and drink, as well as some medicines for motion sickness. You might want to put some tweezers (for splinters) and waterproof bandages in your first-aid kit, along with bug repellant. You can also bring entertainment gear, like portable music players and some card games.

Keep Kids Warm

Even on warm days, the temperature on the water is going to be a little cooler. Add in higher winds and the breeze from the moving boat, and your kids might start to get a little chilly. To keep everyone warm, bring along some extra blankets and jackets or sweaters. Even if no one ends up needing them, it’s better to have them handy.

Finally, don’t forget that the point of bringing your kids and family along is to make memories and have fun! Enjoy yourself and help your family make the most of their day on the water. If you’re still looking for the right boat, stop by Texas Malibu and let one of our experienced staff show you what we have available right now. We are located in Austin, TX, and we welcome all those in New Braunfels.