Sailing and boating with family can go both ways. At its best, it can be a formative experience for children: beyond being fun and exciting, it can also teach them how to deal calmly with immediate, practical problems. Combine safety and fun with our guide and you’ll give your family unforgettable experiences – in the best of ways!
Tick all the boxes
Don’t forget the basics. A recently checked, well-equipped boat is a safer boat. See our checklists for safe sailing, safety equipment and general must-have items. Besides this, prepare to be gone for longer than planned: always pack extra food, medication and prescription eyewear. And do all you can to keep everyone satisfied and comfortable. Warm, dry, well fed and hydrated kids – and adults – are less likely to make mistakes, and will be calmer and readier in case of emergencies.
Swim like a fish
It might seem obvious, but make sure everyone aboard is as strong a swimmer as possible. Your kids passed their basic swimming test? Great, now keep them swimming until they’re ultra-confident and powerful in the water. Some water safety experts say only competitive swimmers should feel truly at ease! And, of course, use life jackets in any other than ideal swimming conditions.
Learn to call for help
In case things don’t go to plan, be ready to call for help. Make sure that your VHF works and has an MMSI number, but also that everyone knows how to use it. Kids love learning the jargon and playing captain! As a backup, double-check you have enough power and chargers to keep several mobile phones available. And consider getting a personal locator beacon (PLB) or emergency position indicating radio beacon (EPIRB) for fast, direct alerts to authorities. Those need registering with your national authority.
Share responsibility and teach skills
That said, don’t be a dictator: spread the responsibility. Make sure everyone understands the dos and don’ts, but also the why. Rules from on high are less effective than common sense with the right knowledge. Show your kids what can go wrong and help them practice skills to manage dangerous situations. Kids can learn from a young age to use the VHF or practice spotting a man overboard. This prepares your kids for emergency scenarios, during which being given a clear and achievable task will also help them avoid panicking.
Take it easy and keep it fun
This also provides the challenge and adventure that ends up making it all worth it for your children. Give them knowledge and the responsibility to use it, and watch them grow into passionate, confident boaters. Start them off slow, minimising risks at first so that everyone can feel safe and get excited about boating naturally, rather than being put off forever after a difficult experience in choppy water. Help them do that by tailoring trips around what everyone aboard will enjoy: attractions ashore, meeting others, flashy gadgets, cosy nights below deck with a good movie. Whatever makes boating fun for the whole family – that’s what will keep them boating for years to come.
For this reason, it can be great to get kids used to handling small boats early on. Try a sailing dinghy or rowing boat. And consider existing safety features and the potential for enjoyment when finding the right boat for you and your family.
Images: Nikola Radojcic via Unsplash; Austin Neill via Unsplash; Kim van Os; Torsten Dederichs via Unsplash; Mael Balland via Unsplash
