Smooth Sailing: A Beginner's Guide to Boating with Children and Pets Safely
Boating can be an exciting and enjoyable experience, especially when shared with family and pets. However, for first-time boaters, it can also present some challenges particularly when young children or animals are involved. Safety, preparation and consideration are crucial to ensure that everyone has a fantastic and stress-free time. This guide will take you through essential tips and best practices to help you confidently embark on your first boating adventure with your children and pets.
Pre-Trip Preparations
Making the right preparations before you set off on your boating adventure, is key to a successful trip. Boating with children and pets requires a bit more planning than a typical outing, but it’s well worth the effort to ensure everything goes smoothly.
Safety First
Life jackets for everyone: The most important safety measure is ensuring everyone on board, including pets, has a properly fitting life jacket. For children, ensure the jackets the correct size for their weight and age. Many dog-specific life jackets are also available for pets, offering extra buoyancy and handles for easy lifting out of the water.
Familiarisation: Introduce both children and pets to the boat before setting sail. This way, they’ll become familiar with the environment, reducing anxiety during the actual trip. Let pets explore while the boat is still docked and explain to children what the day will involve. Introducing children to key safety aspects such as staying seated and holding on when the boat is moving.
Plan Your Route
Keep it short: For your first outing, keep the journey relatively short. Children and pets may not have the patience for long trips, especially if they’re new to the experience. Choose a route with calm waters, minimal current and places to stop if necessary.
Access to facilities: Ensure that your boating route includes access to facilities, such as toilets or shaded areas. Breaks will be appreciated by both children and pets, providing time for a rest, snack or play.
Weather Considerations
Check the forecast: Always check the weather before setting out. Calm, mild weather conditions are ideal for boating with children and pets. Avoid strong winds, rough waters or very hot days as these conditions can cause discomfort or anxiety.
Shade and hydration: Sun exposure can be intense on the water, so pack plenty of sunscreen, hats and sunglasses for children. Ensure pets have access to shade. Always have plenty of fresh water on board for everyone, including pets, as dehydration can be a real issue on sunny days.
Onboard Safety and Comfort
Once you’re on the water, keeping everyone safe and comfortable should be a top priority. Here's how to create a pleasant and secure environment on board.
Supervise at All Times
Assign roles: Designate an adult to always keep an eye on the children and another to watch over the pets. While boating, it’s easy for distractions to occur, so having someone responsible for supervising can make all the difference.
Secure areas: Make sure there are no loose items on board that could cause trips or falls. Keep important items like sunblock, food, water and first aid kits easily accessible.
Safety Rules for Children
Set boundaries: Clearly explain rules to the children before you begin. Remind them to stay seated while the boat is moving, to hold on when necessary and never to lean over the edge or run around on deck. You can also introduce them to important areas like the boat’s “safe zone” where they can sit safely away from the edge.
Engage them in the experience: Encourage children to participate by giving them small, safe tasks to do. This could include pointing out buoys, spotting wildlife or even letting them steer the boat briefly under supervision. Keeping them engaged will reduce restlessness.
Considerations for Pets
Safe spaces: Create a designated safe area for pets on the boat. This could be a shaded spot with their bed or blanket, giving them a familiar and comfortable space to relax. For dogs, ensure they know where this spot is and keep them leashed if necessary.
Potty breaks: Depending on the length of your trip, you’ll need to plan for potty breaks. For dogs, take advantage of stops at islands or marinas where they can relieve themselves. Alternatively, for longer trips, you may need to bring a portable dog potty.
Keeping pets calm: Some pets might be nervous on a boat, so bring along their favourite toys or treats to keep them calm. For cats or smaller animals, consider using a travel crate where they feel secure during the journey.
Entertainment and Comfort On the Water
It’s important to keep children and pets entertained and comfortable throughout your boating trip. Bored or restless passengers can quickly lead to a stressful situation, so have activities ready to keep everyone happy.
Activities for Children
Water-Based Fun: If the weather allows and the location is safe, consider letting children swim or splash around near the boat while anchored. Always ensure they are supervised and wearing life jackets in the water.
Nature Spotting: Encourage children to observe the world around them. You can turn it into a fun game by giving them a checklist of things to spot, such as birds, fish, or other boats. This keeps them engaged and focused on their surroundings.
Snacks and Breaks: Having a variety of snacks and drinks on hand is essential. Choose easy-to-eat foods that won’t create a mess on the boat, and schedule snack breaks throughout the trip to give them something to look forward to.
Keeping Pets Occupied
Chews and Toys: Bring along some durable chew toys or other pet-friendly activities to keep dogs entertained. Cats might appreciate a soft toy or two, while smaller pets will benefit from familiar objects or blankets.
Exercise Opportunities: If you’re stopping at a marina or an island, allow dogs to stretch their legs and play. This helps burn off excess energy and will make them calmer when they return to the boat.
Dealing with Seasickness
Seasickness can affect both children and pets, so it’s important to be prepared, especially on a first-time trip.
Recognising the Symptoms
Children: Children may experience dizziness, nausea, or headaches. It’s important to monitor how they feel, especially if they mention feeling unwell or look pale.
Pets: Dogs and cats can experience seasickness too. They may drool excessively, vomit or seem unusually tired or anxious. Keep an eye out for changes in behaviour.
Prevention and Remedies
Positioning: Keep children and pets in the centre of the boat where the rocking motion is least felt. For pets, it might help to keep them close to the waterline, as the movement is less pronounced lower down.
Fresh Air and Hydration: Make sure everyone gets plenty of fresh air and keep children and pets hydrated. Ginger-based snacks can help soothe nausea for children, while some veterinarians offer medication to prevent seasickness in pets if this becomes a regular issue.
Ending the Trip Safely
As your boating day comes to a close, it’s important to wrap up the trip in a calm and organised way.
Docking and Disembarking
Remain seated: Ensure children and pets remain seated until the boat has been safely docked. Only allow them to disembark once you’re sure everything is secure.
Pack away gear: Before leaving the boat, check that all safety gear, toys and equipment are accounted for. Double-check that life jackets are stowed properly and that all personal belongings are with you.
Post-Trip Reflection
Talk about the experience: After the trip, talk to your children about what they enjoyed and what they learned. This will help them appreciate the experience and remember important safety lessons for the next time.
Assess your pets: Monitor your pet’s behaviour post-trip. If they seemed nervous or uncomfortable, consider what changes you could make for the next outing, such as shorter trips or more familiarisation with the boat beforehand.
Final Thoughts
Boating with children and pets for the first time is a rewarding and memorable experience. By preparing well and keeping safety at the forefront, you’ll ensure that everyone has a fun, enjoyable day out on the water. Whether it’s keeping trips short, providing engaging activities or taking the right precautions for seasickness, these small steps can make a big difference. Remember, the key to success is preparation, patience and flexibility. Soon enough your family, including your four-legged members, will be eager for the next adventure!
