Prioritize safety for fun on the water
Let’s take some time to cover some points about having kids on your boat. We want the kids to enjoy their time out on the water; following these simple tips will make it enjoyable for you too!
Supervision: First and foremost, make sure they are being watched at all times! Keep a vigilant eye on the kids. Children should be closely supervised when on a boat, on a dock, basically, anywhere near the water.
Life jackets are a Legal Requirement: Any child 12 years of age or younger MUST wear a properly fitted U.S. Coast Guard approved PFD whenever the vessel is underway. When shopping for a child’s life jacket, make sure:* It is a Type I, so the child head will be above water, even if they are unconscious* The leg strap fits snugly between the child’s legs to prevent them from sinking out of the vest* The chest straps are adjustable to ensure a snug fit on the child’s torso* The PFD has reflective patches, so it will be more visible in the stormy conditions or at night
The only time a child does not have to wear a PFD, is if the child is inside a fully enclosed cabin that is a permanent, non-removable part of the vessel that is designed to carry passengers.
Establish rules upfront and always show your kids how to behave safely and responsibly on the boat. Be a role model. They often learn best by example.
Teach your kids about basic boating safety and rules of etiquette. Including the importance of not leaning over the side of the boat, not running on board, and even some basic navigational rules. When on board the boat, make sure kids are seated in the seats designed by the boat manufacturer, and they remain seated once you get started; standing in high-speed boats are accidents waiting to happen.
Etiquette rules include not throwing trash overboard, not harassing the wildlife and respecting other boaters' space.
If kids are weak swimmers or non-swimmers, keep them in their PFDs while on docks and marinas. Swimming aids and water toys, such as water wings, pool noodles and inflatable water rings, do not prevent drowning.
Before you even get to the boat, teach children to swim, including how to step into water over their head, turn around, and float. When it’s time to come back into the boat from the water, make sure you guide them to the swim ladder and keep them away from the engine or anything sharp that’s under the water.
Communicate to children that swimming in open water is different from swimming in a pool. Be aware of situations that are unique to open water, such as limited visibility, depth, uneven surfaces, currents, and undertow. These potential hazards can make swimming in open water more challenging than swimming in a pool.
Prepare for the unexpected. Make sure your children know what to do in case of an emergency, like how to use life jackets and whistle, and where the safety equipment is stored on the boat. And if they’re ready, teach them how to use communication devices to call for help.
Before setting out, make sure you have enough supplies: food, water, sun protection, and age-appropriate activities. Warning! Hungry and thirsty kids “may” become irritable!
Take a Boat Safety Course: Children can take the course at 12 years old. In New Jersey, there are two minimum ages, 13 years old for vessels powered by electric trolling motors, or vessels 12' or longer with less than 10 total HP. Operators of all other power vessels, including personal watercraft, must be at least sixteen years old, this includes out-of-state residents.
For more information and for Boating Safety classes that are NJ State Police approved and NASBLA certified, go to www.BoatSafeUS.com. Our instructors will provide you with a fun-filled and educational look at Boat Safety in New Jersey. All of our instructors at Boat Safe US, LLC are certified and approved to instruct by the NJ State Police Marine Division and our course is approved by the National Association of State Boating Law Administrators (NASBLA).
Visit us at www.BoatSafeUS.com to reserve your spot today!
Learn from Captain Bob about boating safely with kids on board. Learn from the best, BoatSafe US. https://youtu.be/C-B-uirJZlQ
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