How to Teach Boating Safety to Kids

Boating is a fun and exciting part of many children's summers. Safety, however, is often the last thing on a child's mind when jumping in a boat. Taking the time to teach them a few simple rules on how to keep themselves and others safe will help prevent injuries and make your outings much more enjoyable.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Personal Flotation Device

1. Wear a lifejacket or Personal Flotation Device (PFD) at all times when on a boat or on the dock.

2. Learn to swim. If you can't swim without a PFD, learn to swim with a PFD. Being comfortable in the water is important in case of emergencies.

3. Sit at all times when a boat is moving and never sit or stand on the sides of the boat.

4. Keep yourself safe while helping others. Extend an oar or throw a life ring, PFD or a rope to someone who has fallen overboard instead of jumping in to help them.

5. Handle boat safety equipment under adult supervision. It is important to learn how to use a fire extinguisher, flare and the radio in case the adult in charge is injured and unable to respond during an emergency.

Tips & Warnings

• If getting your child to wear their PFD is a hassle, try taking them to the store and letting them pick out their own lifejacket. A traditional orange lifejacket is boring and uncomfortable, but a different style and color may be enough to make wearing one fun.
• Keep safety lessons light and fun. Children will remember important things if you are entertaining them instead of boring them.
• Never play with fire extinguishers, flares or radios. These are not toys and are only to be used in emergency situations.

Resources

• For fun ways to teach children about boating safety, go to coastie.auxpa.org.

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