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How To Keep Kids Safe On The Water

May. 11 2023 Miscellaneous By Main Channel Marina

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We might be a little biased, but we think nothing beats a day spent on a boat with your family. According to research, there are a boatload of benefits for kids who spend time on the water with their families. Kids who spend time boating are:

  • Healthier and more physically fit
  • Outgoing and show leadership skills
  • Confident problem solvers
  • Closer to their families 

However, it's important to remember that a day on the water presents certain dangers if proper safety precautions are not taken-especially for the littlest passengers.

National Safe Boating Week is here and in honor of practicing safety on the water, we’re sharing our best tips for keeping kids safe on the water.


Before You Set Sail

Before you get your kids out on the water, there are some preparations and precautions you should take to keep everyone safe on board:

  • Teach them to swim. Almost 800 children drown in the U.S. every year. Whether you own a boat or not, teaching kids water safety and teaching them to swim early is critical to staying safe around water. Swimming skills alone cannot prevent all drowning incidents, which is why it’s important to know your child’s skill level, assess conditions, and keep a close watch on kids while they swim.
  • Learn CPR and first aid. It’s highly recommended that parents and guardians be certified in CPR and basic first aid. You can find a class locally here or even participate online.
  • Childproof your boat. This is especially important if your kiddos are preschool-age or younger. Precautions like securing cockpit and cabin doors, keeping cleaners and chemicals out of reach, covering outlets, and staying within arm’s reach of your child while on board can help prevent accidents.
  • Purchase the proper equipment. One of the most important safety measures on a boat is to wear life jackets. This is especially important for children, who may not be strong swimmers or able to keep themselves afloat in case of an emergency. Make sure that all children on board have properly fitting life jackets that are appropriate for their age and weight. In addition to life jackets, make sure your boat is equipped with safety gear such as flares, a first aid kit, and a throwable flotation device. Teach your children how to use the safety gear and where it is stored on the boat.
  • Establish rules. Make sure your children know what is expected of them while on board the boat. Set rules for behavior such as staying seated while the boat is moving, always keeping hands and feet inside the boat, and not leaning over the edge of the boat.
  • Take a boater safety class. Laws differ across the US, but in Indiana if you are at least 15 and will be operating a motorboat but do not yet have a driver’s license, you need to take a boater’s safety education course. All those who will be driving a boat should take a boater education course to ensure full understanding of safety, etiquette, and operations.
  • In 2020, 77% of boating fatalities occurred on vessels where operators had no formal boating safety education. The USCG advises that all boaters take a safety course that meets the National Boating Education Standards.
  • Practice safety drills: Make sure your children know what to do in case of an emergency by practicing safety drills. This can include things like practicing putting on life jackets, finding safety gear on board, and identifying emergency exits.


On The Boat

  1. Monitor weather conditions. Check the weather forecast before you head out on the water and keep an eye on changing weather conditions while you are out. Make sure your children know what to do in case of inclement weather, such as heading to shore or finding shelter on board.Be sure to bring plenty of fluids to keep kids hydrated and extra clothing and towels to keep kids warm and dry when not in the water.
  2. Stay within the speed limit. Always follow posted speed limits and avoid reckless driving. Be aware of other boats in the area and give them plenty of space. Children should be seated and have a firm grip on the boat when the speed increases.
  3. Stay hydrated. Being out on the water can be dehydrating, so make sure you have plenty of water on board and encourage your children to drink regularly.
  4. Assign a responsible adult. Make sure that there is always a responsible adult on board who is in charge of safety and knows how to operate the boat. This person should be able to handle emergencies and should be familiar with the safety gear on board.
  5. Be aware of carbon monoxide. Carbon monoxide poisoning can be a serious threat on boats, so make sure your children understand the dangers and know how to avoid them. Teach them about the symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning and make sure they know how to avoid the areas of the boat where exhaust fumes are released.
  6. Regularly restock your safety supplies. Toss anything that’s expired and restock any items that are running low. Bug repellant, sunscreen, anti-nausea medications are always handy to have on-board for passengers young and old.


National Safe Boating Week

National Safe Boating Week 2023 is May 20-26th reminding all boaters to brush up on their safety skills and prepare for another season on the water.  Below are some resources than can help ensure the safety of yourself and others:

For more information on kids’ boater safety, we recommend you use this site as a resource to keep your tiny passengers safe on the water.


Set Sail Safely

Getting kids on the water exposes them to learning opportunities, physical exercise, opportunities for adventure, and lots of family time. By following these tips, you can help ensure that your family has a safe and enjoyable boating experience. Remember, it's better to be safe than sorry, so always err on the side of caution when it comes to boating safety.