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Summer is definitively synonym of water for us. The pool, water play, car washing, beach going and inventing all sorts of games that involve getting wet are on the itinerary every summer weekend.
This also includes a lot, a lot of rain in South Florida, and this is the only time we strive to keep dry because Florida is also lightning abundant!
Despite the crazy amount of rain that downpours on us each summer, we do get so many boat days in, it is an implicit competition with the God of thunderstorms in the race to beat him out of the rainy days 🙂
That said. Please do not go boating without checking the weather. Definitively storms are not the time to be on open waters. Much less with little ones.
Because parents are always concerned about our little one’s safety while traveling out and about, we have Britax car seats for them. That gets them truly covered, safe and comfortable. But, what should we consider while on a boat?
Here are some boating tips to keep in mind when out on water with little ones:
- First and foremost make sure kids are wearing a life jacket. Not any jacket will do, make sure the jacket is appropriate for the size of the child. The best way to determine this is to have the child raise up their arms as if making a “touchdown” sign when wearing the jacket. If the jacket reached the chin or ears it might be a size too big for them. The idea is for the life vest to fit snugly. If you have an infant on board it is not a good idea to have them strapped on a car seat or anything else. The best alternative is for you to hold them tight while you wear a life jacket.
- A good idea is to put the lifejackets on before getting on the boat in case they accidentally fall over at the dock
- Make sure all toys, towels, etc. are stowed away neatly so they don’t fly away, and potentially become harmful projectiles, or buckets lying around that could make someone trip over.
- Don’t forget plenty of sunscreen. This can also be done at the parking lot
- Let the kids know that arms, legs, and heads must be inside the boat at all times.
- Prohibit running on the boat and sitting on the rails.
- Have everyone sit before starting the boat so no one blocks the drivers view or loose their balance.
If you plan to jump in the water, make sure to explain to the children that swimming in open water is very different to swimming in a pool. They need to be aware of uneven surface, and the fact that there is always a current present. The best setting is enjoying the water is swim designated areas.
Also, tell kids not to dive into the water because the depth of the water is unknown as well as rocks and other hidden objects that might harm them upon entry to the water.
Water, water, water calls for brushing up on swimming skills, or making sure all the munchkins around us know how to swim, so we all can truly enjoy the splashing safely.
Happy and safe summer everyone!
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This is a really good reminder of some of the essential boat safety rules with kids! With summer weather everyone is out and about on the water and should remember these tips! Thanks for sharing!
Excellent tips and perfect timing! I used to live in south FL., and I miss water/beach activities year-round. 🙂 It’s summer up north now though, so we’ll be boating soon too. 🙂
We love boating & fishing, but have never been with the kids yet. We’ve been talking about it for this summer, so this is very useful!
We love to go boating, but haven’t with the kids yet. This is really useful, b/c we’ve been talking about trying this summer.
Very good advise for those of you with kids who go boating! Life jackets are a must–you never know what mishap may occur especially with fearless young children! Sunscreen on a boat is a MUST-my worst ever sunburn came when I was out rowing a boat in a lake—-imagine what the sun and wind can do in open waters. Do teach your little ones to swim or at the very least float on their backs!!
great tips for boating. 🙂 thanks for sharing.
Great information!!!
Great tips tahanks!
Gracias por tus consejitos!!! Enjoy your summer time!!
Great advice. I think that some times we forget about safety in the water.
Enjoy!!! Great Tips!
We do not go boating but these tips will be great for kayaking. We are big on water safety so thanks for the tips.
Great tips on boating!! I prefer to stay on land but I do know many people that enjoy boating.
we are getting tons of rain up here in north central FL as well but got to love the summer
ummm great tips
Es una de las actividades que más me gusta del verano. Nada más relajante que un paseo en bote, eso sí, tomando todas las precauciones que acabas de mencionar.
Great tips on boating. I need to buy a new lifejacket for my son`
Great tips!.. We live in Florida and boating is always part of our lives.
Thanks for sharing!
I don’t see many people put their kids in special seats on boats that is a great tip that many could use! I am very would never have a child in a boat without a life vest. I think that is essential.
Great information and reminders. We don’t go boating but for those who does they should remember it’s safety.
Ahora que vivimos en Florida hay algunos sitios donde se puede disfrutar de paseos en bote, muchas gracias por los tips ! saludos
Primero tengo que aprender a nadar. No soy fanatica del agua, pero algun día venceré mi miedo.
So great advices! Nunca he llevado a mis hijos en bote pero de hacerlo algún día tomaré estas precauciones.
Great tips and very necessary! A co-worker of mine buried her 17 year old cousin this weekend because he drowned in a boating accident.
This is very important info!
You mentioned great tips for boat safety during this season. I just heard on the news in our local tv station this morning about an incident of boat fire in the marina and there were other boats on fire as well. Good thing the two person that was in that accident is now in good condition.
Thanks for these tips. I just wish that I have a boat hehehe.
Great tips. I´m afraid of the water so I´m very careful.
great tips! i’m always so nervous when there are kids on the boat!
Thanks… This is very important
Me encantan los tips! Muchas Gracias por compartirlos, son muy importantes para disfrutar con precaución.
¡FELIZ DÍA!ॐ
http://mamaholistica.com
Great tips! Thanks for sharing.
Like you i love to be in the water. It’s way more fun to be in the water right? but we should be safe too and watch for the precautions to enjoy the fun ride even more.
Me encanta el agua, es tan relax!!! Muchas gracias por los tips!
Great tips, we love going on the water!
Boating sounds soooo fun right about now!
Great tips!! Thanks for sharing!!
Thanks for sharing!
Great advice! I’m from the caribbean but curiously don’t like boats and anything that goes to far from the edge of the beach. LOL
Great tips! I have always wanted to learn how to sail one of these days.
Great advice!!! Thank you!
We love spending time in the pool and at the beach during the summer. Thank you for sharing your boat safety tips too. Happy boating!
Boating safety is so important. I am happy you highlighted the ways parents can ensure children are secure while boating.