Boating With Children

Now that the gorgeous weather is finally upon us, you’re probably looking for ways to get the kids out of the house and enjoy some quality time as a family. Have you ever thought about taking them boating? This is an excellent way to expose them to new and exciting activities. They’ll surely fall in love with zooming across the water, whether it be in an inner tube or simply sitting in the boat.

However, there are some important factors to consider before you bring kids aboard. Nisswa Marina has gathered some helpful tips below. If you still need a boat, be sure to visit our dealership and check out our inventory. We’re conveniently located in Nisswa, MN, near Minneapolis, St. Cloud, and Brainerd.

Establish Ground Rules

In order to set yourself up for a successful day of boating with the kids, you’ll want to establish some ground rules. If this is their first time on the water, they’re likely not familiar with all the safety hazards and still need to learn the rules of safe travel by boat. It’s tempting for little ones to want to mill about and lean over the edge of the craft to peer at the water below. This can be dangerous and lead to injuries or result in someone falling overboard. All passengers should be wearing a life jacket before they board the vessel. This is a safety precaution that’ll protect everyone in case someone slips or falls while trying to board. On the subject of slipping and falling, make sure they know that once they’re on the boat, no running is allowed.

You’re probably already aware that there is a huge difference between informing children of rules and actually getting them to follow them. One strategy to ensure they follow the ground rules is to explain the “why” behind each of them. This will help them better remember the information and it will also make them more likely to follow the rules.

Another method you can try is to explain all of the rules at home before you leave so you have their undivided attention. A new environment like a boat can be much too distracting for them to retain the information. Always review the rules before each trip to make sure they haven’t forgotten anything.

Bring The Essentials

Generally speaking, boats require you to have a fair amount of gear for a safe trip. As we mentioned, everyone on the craft will need a life jacket. When it comes to finding a well-fitting vest for each child, there are a few things to look for. Head flotations will ensure their heads remain above the water. A crotch strap will prevent them from falling out of the life jacket. You should look for self-righting features, which will keep them swimming in the proper direction. Don’t forget to test the fit of a life jacket before the first voyage.

If you want to make things easier when it comes to planning, you can assemble a kit that’s filled with supplies for boating trips with kids. Examples include a cooler stocked with snacks, seasickness medication, ginger ale, saltine crackers, sunscreen, bug repellent, and so on.

Make It Fun

Last but not least, you want to keep the trip fun. This might seem like a no-brainer, but keep in mind that kids become bored a lot more easily than adults. They’re usually looking for nonstop entertainment, especially when they’re young. Don’t expect this to be a quiet, leisurely boating trip. You’ll want to be proactive and plan activities ahead of time. You can plan art projects, bring board games, play I Spy, charades, and much more. Let your kids participate in building the music playlist. You can also assign them tasks so they’ll feel included. A little bit of forethought and planning can go a long way.

Happy boating! Remember, if you’re still in need of a boat to enjoy the water, stop by Nisswa Marine to check out our selection. We also serve Minneapolis, St. Cloud, and Brainerd.