Boating with infants or young kids? Here are some great safety tips and reminders before you head out to the open water.
BOATING SAFETY TIPS
Wear a Life Jacket
Infant Appropriate Life Jackets
Keep Little Kids Warm
Don’t Rely on Swimming Aids
Childproof Your Boat and Develop Some Basic Rules
Learn From the Professionals
1. Enroll older kids in a boating safety course. Better yet, enroll with them.
2. Get a vessel safety check every year for free from the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary or U.S. Power Squadrons. For more information go to www.uscgboating.org and click “get a free safety check.”
Use Your Best Judgment
1. A large portion of boating accidents that occur each year involve alcohol consumption by both boat operators and passengers. To protect your safety and loved ones around you, it is strongly recommended not to drink alcoholic beverages while boating.
2. We know you have a million things to do, but learning CPR should be on the top of the list. It will give you tremendous peace of mind – and the more peace of mind you have as a parent, the better. Local hospitals, fire departments and recreation departments offer CPR training.
3. Make sure there’s a working carbon monoxide alarm on any motorboat to alert your family to any buildup of toxic fumes from the engine.
4. Let your teen operate a boat only in a supervised setting and in adherence to the laws in your area. Laws regarding the operation of a boat or watercraft vary from community to community.
Teach Your Kids the Difference Between Open Water and Pools
Actively Supervise Kids In and Around Open Water