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Boating Safely with Kids: 9 Essential Tips
Boating trips are a fantastic way to spend quality time with family, soaking in the serene beauty of canals and rivers. The calm waters of the Four Counties, the picturesque settings of the Cheshire Ring, and the charming paths of the Llangollen Canal in the north west of England are particularly enchanting destinations for families.
However, bringing kids on board introduces a new level of responsibility. Ensuring their safety and keeping the journey enjoyable requires a thoughtful approach. Below are essential tips to keep your little sailors safe and your boating adventure smooth.
We have put together a short pdf document with some additional tips and activities that you can review to keep the children safe and occupied as well which you can download here, There are also some additional tips on the Canal & River Trust website here and a 9 things to spot list for fun here. There really is a lot of things you can do to keep active little ones occupied and involved in the experience when you think outside the box!
1. Start with a Safety Briefing
Before untying from the dock, have a safety briefing with the entire crew, kids included. During our handover training session we will discuss a lot so please relay relevant things to the shorter members of your crew in a way that they will understand, after all you know your kids better than us and when they’ve just got on the boat they will probably be more excited than attentive to our briefing.
Use simple language to explain the rules of the boat, like staying seated while the boat is in motion, not leaning over the edges, and the importance of keeping aisles clear.
For those navigating the narrow spaces of canal boats, remind kids to be cautious when moving around to prevent slips or falls. Share stories or examples to make the briefing engaging and memorable for them. A child who understands the ‘why’ behind a rule is more likely to follow it.
Before arriving it is also a good idea to sit the family down and watch the boaters handbook video which will familiarise everyone with what to expect on board.
There is also a manual for your boat to download in our files section
2. Life Jackets: A Non-Negotiable
One of the unbreakable rules of boating safely with kids is the mandatory wearing of life jackets. But, remember, not all life jackets are created equal. Ensure the life jackets are of the correct standard and in good condition. We issue all our guests with family members who aren’t great swimmers and with children life jackets upon arrival.
However they tend to work best if worn before falling in the water and aren’t terribly helfpul if they are on the boat and the crew is in the water without them, so be sure that those who are issued them do wear them, and that they fit correctly!
A good fit means snug, yet comfortable, with no risk of slipping over the child’s head. Make it a fun ritual; have the kids decorate their life jackets with waterproof stickers to make them more keen to wear them.
3. Teach Them To Swim
Swimming is an essential skill for anyone on a boat. It’s a good idea to ensure that your kids take swimming lessons before your boating adventure. Many areas, including those around the picturesque boating destinations in the north west of England, offer swimming classes designed for children.
This doesn’t mean you can be lax about other safety measures if your child can swim. It simply adds an extra layer of safety and confidence for both of you.
4. Childproof your Boat
Similar to childproofing your home, take some time to assess and mitigate risks on your boat. Secure all doors and hatches, cover sharp corners, and stow away any chemicals or tools that kids shouldn’t get into. If you’re hiring a canal boat, talk to the hire company about child safety features or equipment they provide.
A well-childproofed boat allows everyone, including the parents, to relax and enjoy the journey more fully.
5. Establish a Watch System
It’s easy to get distracted by the beauty of the Cheshire Ring or the peaceful journey along the Llangollen Canal, but keeping an eye on children is crucial. Establish a watch system where an adult is always explicitly responsible for supervising the kids, especially if you have more than one child onboard. This way, you can ensure that someone is always watching the children, preventing accidents before they happen.
6. Equip with the Right Gear
Aside from life jackets, equip your boat with child-friendly gear. Have plenty of sun protection, including sunscreen, hats, and UV-protective clothing, especially if you plan to be on deck for extended periods. The reflection off the water can intensify the sun’s effects, making sunburn more likely. Also, have a first-aid kit readily available and ensure it includes items suitable for children, such as pediatric dosages of pain relievers.
7. Plan for Emergencies
As the saying goes, Hope for the best and prepare for the worst. Discuss emergency procedures with your kids in an age-appropriate way. Teach them basic signals for help and ensure they know what to do in case they find themselves in the water unexpectedly. Also, familiarize them with the location and basic use of safety equipment on board. In an emergency, this knowledge could be lifesaving. On all of the Floating Holidays fleet there is a small first aid kit. But if you need additional medication or other items for your safety and comfort be sure to bring them along.
(note from author: The image here is of our daughter eating an ice cream whilst sat on the roof. Definitely not something we would recommend and yes Mum wasn’t with us to tell Dad what a plonka he was being!)
8. Keep the Journey Enjoyable
Keeping kids entertained and engaged is key to a smooth boating experience. Plan activities that are both fun and educational. For instance, a nature scavenger hunt along the Four Counties route can be an exciting way for kids to learn about the local flora and fauna. Also, involve them in simple boat tasks. This not only keeps them occupied but also builds a sense of responsibility and inclusiveness.
9. Stay Flexible
Kids can be unpredictable, and sometimes plans need to change. Maybe a day of bad weather means staying docked and exploring local museums instead of sailing. Maybe someone gets seasick and needs a day of rest. Staying flexible and having a Plan B ensures that your boating adventure remains enjoyable, no matter what comes your way.
Boating with kids in the serene waters of the north west of England’s famous canals and waterways can be an incredibly rewarding experience. It’s an opportunity to bond, teach valuable lessons, and create lasting memories. By taking the necessary precautions and preparing thoroughly, you can ensure a safe and enjoyable journey for the entire family. Happy boating!
Fancy a boat holiday – Check out Floating Holidays fleet for hire!
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