Spending time on the boat with your family can make for some of the most memorable moments of your life together.  Traveling the ups and downs of the water brings a slower pace about for the time being, and gives you and your family time to take in the fresh air.  

When you plan to take your kids on the maritime journey, safety becomes even more of a concern.  You don’t want anyone suffering an injury on the water.  With the right knowledge, you can keep your kids safe while making some beautiful memories along the way.  

Here is a quick look at a few of the most important things you should keep in mind while planning a boating trip for yourself and your family.

Lifejackets save lives

It’s the law that there is a lifejacket on the boat for everyone who’s riding, but it’s a little different when you have kids aboard.  When you are underway, the U.S. Coast Guard requires that everyone wear their lifejacket. Even your baby needs a lifejacket.

If you do plan to bring your baby on the boat, make sure they weight at least 18 pounds.  The USCG recommends this weight so that your child’s life jacket will fit properly.

Have a designated safe space

Should something occur where you need all hands on deck, there should be a designated safe space for the kids.  There are several different scenarios, including an emergency, that require all of the adults on the boat to be busy.  

Create a safe place for all of the children to relax when mommy and daddy need time to manage the boat.  If your boat isn’t big enough for a safe space, then your boat isn’t big enough for kids.

Make some shade on deck

Exposure to the sun is an absolute when you’re out on the open water, and kids can’t be in the direct sunlight for long.  You have to have a shaded spot on the boat for the safety of yourself and the rest of the family.

It’s also a good idea to bring extra sunscreen, a big sun hat, and extra towels to help protect the skin of everyone aboard.  Overexposure to the sun can cause damage to the skin and even sickness.

Choose the right time to push off

The waterways can get pretty busy at times, and you may want to hit the waters at a less hectic moment.  In terms of boating, the early bird gets the worm. If you and your family set out early in the morning, you can find a spot to claim.  

You will also have the luxury of cooler temperatures when you leave early in the morning.  Check the weather radar before you start your journey to avoid getting caught in a storm.