Taking the kids or grandkids on a boat trip is a great way to spend quality time together as a family.

These tips will help you ensure a safe and enjoyable boating trip with your children:

1. Safety First: Safety should always be the top priority. Ensure that everyone, especially the kids, wears properly fitted life jackets at all times while on the boat. Teach them how to put them on and adjust them correctly and if they are inflatable, make sure everyone knows how to use them.
2. Plan Ahead: Plan your boating trip in advance. Check the weather forecast, tides, and any boating regulations or restrictions in the area where you’ll be boating. Make a checklist of essential items such as sunscreen, first-aid kit, snacks, and drinks.

3. Consider Short Trips: Especially if it is their first time boating. Your boating adventures can gradually be extended as they get more comfortable.

4. Boating Lessons: If your children are new to boating, consider enrolling them in a boating safety course. These courses cover basic safety procedures and can help your kids feel more comfortable on the water.   A boat license can be obtained by children over the age of 12. Find out more by contacting ABC boating
5. Sun Protection: Protect your kids from the sun by applying sunscreen, providing them with sunglasses and hats, and seeking shade when necessary. Sunburn can be a significant concern on the water.
6. Familiarise your children with the boat before leaving. Provide instructions on how to use the bathroom facilities, locate safety equipment, and move around the boat safely.
7. Share the Experience: Encourage your children to participate in boating activities, such as spotting wildlife, or assisting with ropes when docking.
8. Emergency Plan: Discuss what to do in case of an emergency. Teach your children how to use communication devices, like marine radios or cell phones, and go over emergency procedures like man overboard drills.

9. Keep them entertained: The trip can be enhanced with books, games, and binoculars for spotting marine life or birds. Don’t bring anything that might stain soft furnishings, such as coloured textas, markers, or paint. Keep them busy and having fun, if you bring kids along regularly then it might be worth investing in some kids-sized kayaks, or a Lily pad floating mat for when they are in the water (or an inflatable version, easier to store).

10. Clean Up: Encourage your children to respect the boat and the environment, including them in keeping the boat clean and properly disposing of rubbish.

When boating with kids, remember that safety and enjoyment go hand in hand. A fun and memorable experience on the water can be created by taking the appropriate precautions and involving your children in the planning process.