Boating With Children

Boat ownership is a rewarding experience, as it allows you to create memories with your loved ones. Whether you’re going out fishing, swimming or simply cruising across the lake’s cerulean surface, you’re certain to have a good time. In fact, the joys of boating are even better when shared with your children! However, it’s important that you prepare accordingly to ensure that your kids have a good time, since children will require more care and attention than your adult passengers.

White's Marine Center, located in Pittsburg, is proud to be your Missouri boat dealership. Here are some of our top tips for enjoying a boat outing with your kids and making sure that they enjoy it as much as you do!

Teach Kids To Swim

Before your children board your boat, it’s vital that they know how to swim and to keep themselves afloat in the water. Fortunately, you can enroll children in formal swim lessons as early as the age of four, allowing them time to become comfortable with the water. The earlier you can teach them, the better, and the more they know, the better. Teach them how to float on their backs and stomachs, how to tread water and how to perform basic swimming strokes in order to get themselves back to the boat or to shore.

Accustom Kids To Life Jackets

Wearing a life jacket is necessary for children’s safety, even if they’re very good swimmers. If a child falls overboard, then a life jacket can keep them oriented while they get their bearings, especially if it has self-righting capabilities. You should also look for styles with head flotation and crotch straps that will keep the jacket secured. Test out life jackets in a pool or shallow body of water so that you can make sure they fit correctly and are comfortable enough to wear.

Model good boat safety by wearing your own life jacket and encouraging other adults and teenage passengers to do the same. Life jackets should be worn from the dock, just in case kids fall in while boarding or disembarking the craft. Attach a marine whistle to each child’s life jacket so they can alert you to an emergency situation or blow for help if they fall in the water.

Establish Good Safety Practices

You’ll want to verse your children on how to be safe on boats and remind them of the rules before boarding. Children should never run or jump on the boat as they could trip and hit their heads. They should never try to retrieve any items that fall in the water, and they should not sit on the edge of a boat. Remind them to avoid distracting the operator of the boat while the craft is in motion. Let them know where emergency supplies are, like a throwable life ring and a fire extinguisher. Give them a tour of the boat to remind them of where everything is since they might forget in the excitement.

Pack Supplies

Kids are more likely to catch a cold on the water, where temperatures are likely to be lower. Bring blankets and warm clothing like sweaters for them to bundle up in. If they go swimming, have them change into dry clothing as soon as possible once they’re on board again. Bring a cooler full of snacks like sandwiches, string cheese, fresh fruit and crackers along with juice boxes and bottled water. A means of playing music, some boat-friendly games, coloring books, a first-aid kit, bug repellent and sunscreen are also good things to have on hand.

Come by our dealership in Pittsburg, MO, to have a look at our current selection of new and used boats for sale. You can even take advantage of our financing options to get the right boat for your family. White’s Marine Center serves the cities of Springfield and Kansas City, Missouri.