When sailing with children, you must take precautions to ensure that everyone can enjoy a pleasant time on the water without stress. The main fear is that your child will fall into the water, so wearing a lifejacket is "mandatory", even if they can swim. It is therefore important to prepare your child to go sailing and teach him or her some safety rules. Finally, a child gets bored quickly, so you have to take this parameter into account and try to diversify the activities and sailing times to keep him occupied.
SNSM has compiled a list of 10 practical tips for enjoying a relaxed and safe navigation with children.
Before departure
Teaching
Gradually get the children used to the boat and the water and develop their autonomy (under constant but discreet supervision). Explain to them the dangers on board and the proper course of action. Nets, lifelines, bras and harnesses will secure and reassure everyone.
Equipping
Dress them appropriately: t-shirt, hat, non-slip shoes and take with you all kinds of games and books that can keep them busy while sailing.
During navigation
Protecting
Wearing a lifejacket adapted to their morphology is "mandatory" and must be completed with a harness in case of bad (to be attached in the back). You can set an example by wearing your vest too. As soon as age permits, teach them how to react in the event of an accident.
Monitor
Be available and vigilant at all times and do not let them play with the various controls on the boat. Also remember that a child should never be left alone on board.
Innovate
Adapt your pace to your children's pace and limit the hours of sailing, as children get bored quickly. Rhythm your days with activities on land that will allow them to let off steam.
Moisturize
Beware of sunburn and sunstroke. Have your children wear t-shirts, hats and sunglasses and don't forget the sunscreen, which should be renewed regularly, especially if you are swimming. Finally, don't forget to give them regular drinks to avoid dehydration. In the same way, monitor the cold and humidity and dress it appropriately.
Children without lifejacket: caution danger
Anticipate
When manoeuvring, children must remain inside the boat.
At anchor
Remember to extend a cover to protect the cockpit from the sun.
Plan ahead
Don't leave your boat keys within reach of children and hang them on a floating key ring, you never know!
Ensure that
Do not leave the engine chocks open and store any tools that may be dragging. When it comes to swimming, don't let go of your supervision, even if the children can swim.
Credits: Photos from the Ninamu travel blog
