The lovely heat of the sun, salty Seabreeze across your face, the perpetual smell of the ocean, and the stretch of blue hues on the horizon are unique sensations brought about by a boating trip. Setting aside a day and spending quality time with your children is an important activity you can do as a parent. It’s an exhausting but gratifying to see the kids having the time of their lives.
Here are tips on how to spend a fun-filled boating trip with your kids. It is a relatively straightforward activity, but it can surely fill their memory banks that could last a lifetime.
Prepare your boat
The first step towards a fantastic day is to prepare the vehicle. The flooring is crucial since you will be walking and doing most of your activity inside the boat. Flooring material, whether carpet, tiles, matting, or roll-on, must be slip-resistant and sturdy for the kids. You can find services and solutions for durable boat flooring to withstand yearly boat family trips and other boat activities from companies like Durabak.
Consult your local boat mechanic as part of the integrity check of the vehicle before the trip. Ensure that your boat’s engine is in good working condition. A boat inspection must cover the battery, navigation lights, the hull, and other electronic devices.
Updated paperwork must come in handy, such as the license and the decal. After validation that the vessel is in tip-top shape and the system is in working order, confirm all safety equipment on board. Safety equipment is very crucial in times of emergency. The equipment will be your backup plan. Life jackets must be fitted especially for kids as they grow fast. Check for tears and holes in particular. A rule of thumb is one jacket per passenger. Fire extinguishers must be operational, too, and refilled.
Safety first!
Boating safety items must be intact and accessible throughout the trip. A radio, extra batteries for any devices, a water-resistant communication device, a locator beacon, a flare, a whistle, a brightly-colored flotation device, a manual pump, and a first-aid kit are must-haves for a secured boating trip. Lastly, a vital piece of equipment is paddled, an emergency means of mobility during motor trouble.
Food and drinks
Having kids on board can be less daunting if the trip is packed with snacks and beverages to keep hunger at bay. Do not forget to pack filling meals like a sandwich to ensure energy levels are up.
Fun boat activities for the kids
Fun boat activities are a must to keep your kids engaged and interested. Preparing activities such as fishing and water sports like water skiing is always a good idea. For adventurous kids, snorkeling or treasure diving can make up a fun-filled boating trip. Boat games for the young and the young at heart can also be a part of the plan. These activities can indeed create fun family memories.
Let your hair down and and bring some humor and a cheerful attitude during your family boat trip. It will be refreshing for the kids to see you having a fantastic time, jumping in the water, and trying something new with them. Boating with kids can be enjoyable, paired with the adults having the time of their lives.