Boater Safety 101: Boating Safety Tips for Families

Boating is a great way to get out on the water and spend time with family. And, one of the most important things you can do when you're having fun with your family is to ensure you're being as safe as possible. When you boat safely, everyone has more fun.

Not only does putting safety first help protect you and your loved ones from harm, but it also makes your time spent with each other more enjoyable and reduces stress.

Whether you're curious about navigation, need information on the best life jackets, or want to know more about preparing your vessel for boating season, playing it safe matters. Here are some boating safety tips for families. We'll also touch on safety for older adults and new boaters who could be part of your family adventures on the water!

Boating Safety Tips for Families with Kids

Whether you have small children or older ones, boating safely and having a good time go hand in hand. You can help your children learn responsible boating practices from a young age, reducing their risk of injury and helping them become safe and responsible boaters as they age.

Here are a few tips to help your kids have fun and stay safe when on the water.

1. Teach Kids About Water Safety

Kids learn quickly, so teach them the right things about boating as soon as you can.

Water safety is vital to enjoying a vessel, including showing your children how to wear a life jacket properly and why it's so important. They also need to understand what to do in emergencies, and you can give them age-appropriate responsibilities to practice. 

2. Establish (and Enforce) Rules for the Boat

Boat rules should always be taken seriously. Just like wearing seat belts in a car, you should have rules that everyone follows, or they don't get to ride on the boat.

Rules should include no running, no leaning overboard, and always wearing a life jacket. 

3. Pack the Essentials

You'll want to bring sunscreen, extra clothing, snacks, and plenty of water to keep your kids comfortable and entertained. They need to be able to stay hydrated and get out of the sun if it gets too hot or uncomfortable for them.

Extra clothing and a sunshade or umbrella can reduce their sunburn risk and help them cool down.

4. Keep Emergency Contacts Handy

When learning about boating safety tips for families, being prepared for an emergency is among the most important. It's essential to have a first-aid kit, emergency numbers, and a VHF radio ready on the boat.

Even if you do everything right, avoiding an emergency is not always possible, so you and your children should know what to do if something goes wrong.

Boating Safety Tips for Older Adults

Maybe you're also bringing older parents or grandparents out on the boat for a day on the water. You may need to make some adjustments to ensure their safety.

The biggest boating safety tips for older adults focus on health, stability, and ease of boarding the boat. Here are a few things to keep in mind.

1. Ensure Stability on Board

Consider installing non-slip surfaces and providing stable seating for more effortless movement. This can help reduce fall risks and keep older adults more secure on a moving vessel. 

2. Check Medications

Some medications can cause drowsiness, dizziness, or impaired judgment. Older adults on medication should consult their doctor before boating. 

To avoid missing a timely dose of certain medications, make sure you also bring those meds on board if you plan to spend most of the day on the boat.

3. Stay Hydrated

Having plenty of water on board is an excellent way to reduce risks like heat exhaustion, which can be more common in older adults. Encourage them to drink water consistently throughout the adventure to stay hydrated.

4. Use Grab Bars and Rails

If you're an older adult or frequently have older family members or friends on your vessel, consider installing additional handrails to help with balance while moving around the boat. 

These rails can come in handy for everyone, especially if the water is a little rough.

5. Plan for Easy Boarding

Boarding a boat bobbing in the water isn't always easy for someone whose mobility may be limited by age. You can use a boarding ladder or step assist to help older passengers safely get on and off the vessel. 

Boating Safety Tips for Beginners

If you have new boaters in your family, take some time to prepare them for the ways of the water. The more they know, the safer they'll generally be.

Start with these basic boating safety tips for beginners!

1. Wear a Life Jacket

One of the first (and most important) things to know is about life jackets.

The most significant way to reduce boating risks is by ensuring every passenger wears a properly fitted, U.S. Coast Guard-approved life jacket. Even if not everyone agrees to wear one, your boat must have one for every passenger.

2. Take a Boating Safety Course

All new boaters should complete a certified boating safety course. This will teach the basics and help them understand navigation, safety equipment, emergency procedures, and more.

3. Check Weather Conditions

Always check the forecast before heading out on the water, and stay alert and aware while boating. This goes for new and seasoned boaters.

Paying attention helps you be prepared for sudden weather changes or marine warnings, which can be especially critical if you need to head back to shore quickly.

4. Know the Navigation Rules

Basic navigation signals, right-of-way rules, and local boating laws all matter when you spend time on your vessel. You don't want to run afoul of the law or put yourself and others at risk of an accident.

5. Use a Float Plan

Creating a float plan and informing a trusted person onshore of your trip details, including expected return time and route, makes it easier for rescuers to locate your vessel in an emergency.

This tip is also essential for new and seasoned boaters.

6. Avoid Alcohol

Boating under the influence is dangerous and illegal in most locations. If you want to drink on your boat, make sure you know the rules about when and where you're allowed to do so, and designate a sober captain who can safely handle your vessel.

7. Practice Docking and Anchoring

Becoming familiar with proper docking techniques and setting an anchor safely can help reduce potential damage to your boat. For activities like fishing or swimming, proper anchoring helps keep you from drifting into travel channels where you could accidentally strike other vessels.

Boat-Ed Helps You Boat Safely This Season

Apply the boating safety tips for families, older adults, and new boaters we shared today — every time you leave the dock! Putting safety first means you can enjoy more fun outings on the water with friends and family.

Along with following important safety tips for your boating adventure, make sure you meet the boater education requirements for your state or region in Canada. Even if you're not new to boating, information can change over time, so a refresher is a great way to enhance your safety on the water. Encouraging everyone who enjoys your boat to take a course means everyone understands how to stay safe on the water.

Help your family stay safe on your boat!
Take the Boat-Ed course for your state or region and learn everything you need to know to boat safely and meet your state's boater education requirements.