Besides PFDs, what other special safety considerations should be kept in mind when boating with children?
Active supervision of children is a key boating safety factor. Keep an eye on your kids at all times, ensuring that they stick to safe areas where they are not likely to fall overboard, and do not cause instability in the boat by roughhousing. Also, remember that children learn best through example. As an adult, you should follow best practices for safe boating by completing a boating safety course, never boating under the influence, and conducting regular vessel safety checks. Last, but not least, be sure that there’s a team plan in place for what to do in the event of an emergency, including man overboard, fire on board, or a boating accident. Family members should be informed of where safety equipment is located, and how to operate communications devices. And at least one other family member should be also able to operate the boat in the event that the primary operator is injured. Please see our boating safety page for additional safe boating information.
