Tips for Boating Safely With Children on Board
As the school summer holidays approach, boaters may want to plan boating trips and holidays with their families. Parents can involve and entertain their children to make a trip successful, even though it may be challenging.
You will have plenty of hands-on activities for kids on and around the boat, even at a young age. They can assist with crew tasks. They can handle lines during docking, leaving, or moving the boat. They can also guide the helm as a bowman.
Here are some tips on how to boat safely with children on board:
Show them how to navigate on the boat safely.
Lifejackets are not legally required on UK rivers, but would you allow your child on the water without one? To get your children to wear lifejackets, you should lead by example and make sure adults and children all have one on. Children are more likely to follow this rule if they see adults wearing lifejackets as well.
Always ensure there are three points of contact between a person and the boat. Teach children to step onto and off the boat instead of jumping, and ensure they don't carry anything in their hands while doing so. Maintain a calm and composed attitude, and they are more likely to follow your example.
Encourage them to spot wildlife.
As all parents know, keeping their children entertained and busy is the key to keeping them happy on long journeys. Whether you are cruising along a city canal or amidst the hills, there is plenty of wildlife to look out for.
Before you start your adventure, research with the kids about the wildlife you might see on your route. A great starting point is the Canal and River Trust website. The thrill of spotting wild creatures never gets old and can keep your young ones occupied for hours.
Take your time.
Some parts of the canal, such as the locks, can be overwhelming and dangerous. This is especially true during the busy summer months, when there is a lot of boat traffic. However, there's no need to rush, and it's essential to take your time to prepare.
If you encounter a lock for the first time, stop your boat before reaching it. Use the windlasses to open the lock gates. Walk along the towpath and explore the lock safely and leisurely.
Show the kids how the lock works. Discuss any potential hazards and strategize for scenarios where things may not proceed as expected.
Locks can be a fun part of the canal journey for children, so encourage them to be curious about how they work. Discuss why they need them, demonstrate how they operate, and tackle any concerns or questions to alleviate worries. In this way, you can transform the locking experience into a thrilling and informative journey for all.
Training is out there…
Children who are 8 years old and above can participate in the RYA Inland Waterways Crew Course with their family. This course is for those who need training before starting a boat trip.
They will learn essential skills such as:
- Personal safety
- On-board communication
- Mooring line techniques
- Basic boat handling
- Assisting at locks
- Maintaining a vigilant lookout
- Emergency procedures
- Environmental stewardship
Make sure that you are insured.
No matter how well you prepare, sometimes accidents can occur. Make sure your trips and cruises are stress-free by having insurance to cover any potential mishaps along the way. For insurance advice, speak to one of our friendly brokers today.