Safety, Games, and Joy on the Water: How to Make Boating Fun for Kids

When I recently read The Storm Sister, the second book from the Seven Sisters series written by Lucinda Riley, I could not but imagine what it would be like to spend our next vacation on a boat. While spending time on the water is a fantastic idea for a family vacation, I surely know my child (and I’m sure most preschool children are on the same page about this), which means I’ll hear even more “I’m bored”s than when spending a full day at home. 

All that makes navigating waters in peace a real challenge without preparing first. However, my plans are serious, and I did my research. Here’s everything you should know about how to make your boat trip safe, fun and as joyous as possible.

Preparation is critical to ensuring that your children have a smooth boating experience. If your children have never been on a boat, experts suggest shorter trips with lots of stops for play and discovery. Look for kid-friendly locations where young explorers can explore sandy coasts or dive to uncover marine wonders.

Above all else, safety comes first when sailing with kids. The first thing to do is to equip your boat with the proper safety gear, including a high-quality life vest for each of your children. That's paramount because drowning is mainly silent, compared to what TV series and movies often show. A victim (of any age) who is drowning is unable to call for assistance. They are silent, bobbing up and down in the water with their head tilted back and mouths hanging open to catch air. A youngster who is not able to swim can drown in as little as 30 to 45 seconds, and this typically occurs when an adult is present but fails to notice the warning indicators that a child has difficulty in the water. 

So, how can you select the correct life vest for your children to prevent boating fatalities and have peace of mind? Here are some things to check for:

• The jacket should be approved to AS4758 Australian standards.
• Examine the weight and chest measurement label, then have your child try on the kids' life jacket. Tell your youngster to raise their arms and relax as you pick them up by the life jacket's shoulders. A well-fitting vest prevents the child's chin and ears from slipping through. Never purchase an oversized jacket for a youngster, hoping they’ll outgrow it. If one style of lifejacket isn't working correctly, try another.
• When a child wears a well-made life jacket, the water will hold their head up. The head support helps the youngster roll onto their face.
• For small children, a strap between the legs is essential. It reduces the possibility of the child's jacket slipping over their head.
• Vibrant colours. If your child's life jacket is colourful, it will make it easier for you to find them in the water.
• Comfort and Style. You should pay particular attention to this when choosing a life jacket for teens since they are less likely to wear life jackets.

Your kids will have many possibilities to explore and learn about nature on a marine journey. Kindly encourage them to interact with their environment by pointing out rare species, imparting knowledge about tides, and arousing their interest in the mysteries of the water. While keeping children occupied on the boat, the wonders of the water will capture their imaginations and cultivate a profound respect for the natural world.

Regarding adventure, nothing compares to working like a pirate or ship captain on a boat for kids who enjoy pretend play. Consider including a Pirate Day activity in your schedule to make kids happy. You'd make an excellent theme for the kids' pirate day with a short preparation and props to finish the act. Some costumes, accessories, and a small pirate flag to raise are all you’ll need.

Without forts, what would a pirate day be? Help your children to make a do-it-yourself (DIY) fort to round out the pirate experience. For example, you could build your kids the greatest pirate fortress out of nothing but towels, oars, floaties, and life jackets. Additionally, this choice can give a feeling of shelter from the weather or unforeseen downpours.

How do you entertain a child on a boat? Although there is no end to the fun things you can do with kids by the sea, it's a good idea to be prepared with a few games or activities to keep them occupied when the weather is calmer. Bring their preferred books, toys, or activities to keep them entertained. With crafts and creative projects based on marine life, you can also let their imaginations run wild. Your ship will change into a floating paradise that your kids will love in no time. Bringing a tablet filled with your children's favourite games and movies is also a smart option when they need shade from the sun.

Keeping children's appetites fed is a crucial part of boating with them. Choose finger foods that are mess-free and simple to manage when travelling. Granola bars, sandwiches, fresh fruit, and precut vegetables are all excellent choices. Recall that contented stomachs make happy sailors. Even on hot summer days, your food will stay fresh thanks to the on-board refrigerator.

Children can surprise us with their limitless energy, constantly shifting emotions and erratic tastes. Because of this, being adaptable is essential when sailing with children. Accept the unexpected and be ready to modify your ideas to suit their need. Making last-minute adjustments to the itinerary or stopping at a nearby island makes the entire family's trip more pleasurable.