Boat Safety Tips for Kids

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Start Teaching Boat Safety With The Young

One of the easiest and best ways to practice boat safety is to teach boat safety to people when they are young.  This way, proper boat safety will become part of the boating experience and can become as natural as practicing good hygiene.  The following represents basic boating safety tips that should be taught should be taught to and followed by all kids who will be boating.

• Kids can assist the operator by looking for objects floating in the water; for other boats, swimmers, or skiers in the area; and for partially submerged objects.
  
  
• Notify the boat operator if you see lighting, rain, or stormy weather approaching.
  
  
• Stay seated in the boat, particularly when the boat is turning or moving.

• Never lean over the boat or sit on the edge of the boat, especially when the boat is moving.
  
  
• Learn basic first-aid.  Know where the first aid kit is located, what its items in the kit are named, and how the first-aid items are used.
  
  
• Learn how to throw a ring buoy or a seat cushion to someone who has fallen overboard
  
  
• Don’t drag your hands or feet in the water when the boat is moving.
  
  
• When the operator is launching the boat, help him or her by staying seated and watching for obstacles such as people, other boats, or debris that is in the way.
  
  
• Wear your lifejacket or personal floatation device (PFD) and make sure it fits correctly.  Put your initials on your PFD.
  
  
• When the operator is refueling the boat, it is best to get off the boat.
  
  
• Know where the fire extinguishers are located and learn how to use them correctly.
  
  
• If the boat you are on is pulling skiers, help the operator by watching for other boats, skiers, or for objects in the water.

• Let the operator of the boat know if you hear a horn or noise coming from another boat, especially when it appears that the operator is unaware of the other boat.
  
  
• Have the operator of the boat show you how to operate the controls in case you have to operate the boat during an emergency.  Of special importance, have the operator show you how to use the on/off switch in case you have to stop the boat due to someone falling overboard. 
  
  
• When boarding a boat, alert those on board first, stay to the center of the boat, and ask an adult to assist you.  Remember that only one person should board at a time.

• When returning to shore and approaching the dock, if there are items to unload, do not carry anything while getting off the boat.  Instead, hand the items to a person on the dock or on shore.  Get off the boat only when it is secured to the dock.

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