If your kids are old enough to learn how to take direction and handle responsibilities, you must be wondering whether it’s alright to introduce them to your passion for boating. After all, if you want your children to be as good boaters (or even better) as you, it’s imperative to start letting them help you out from an early age.
Boating with kids allows you the perfect opportunity to spend some quality time with them. Additionally, it lets them take control on board, which they enjoy to no end while receiving valuable lessons. Therefore, if you’re looking for tips on making your kids good boaters from an early age, you can refer to the following blog post as your guide!
Tip #1 – Let Them Navigate
First and foremost, kids love navigating the waters since it means taking charge and making important decisions. Therefore, you can begin by involving them with you in this process, asking for their suggestions to enhance their leadership skills.
Tip #2 – Show Them How Important It is to Communicate with Other Boats
Letting your kids navigate also gives you the perfect opportunity to teach them the right-of-ways with other boats so that they know the importance of following water safety rules.
Tip #3 – Give Them a Lesson in Docking
Plus, you can ask your kids to help you out when getting the boat ready to dock as you approach your landing. They can assist you in putting out bumpers and even secure lines, ensuring there’s nothing in your way.
Tip #4 – Teach Your Kids How to Handle Lines
Not to mention, one of the best things you can teach the little ones on board is showing them how to tie proper knots, such as the bowline. Furthermore, you can teach them how to attach a line or tie off to a boat clean on the dock.
Tip #5 – Tell Them About Flag Duty
There’s a “swimmer in the water” flag that your kids should know about, especially if you wakeboard, so they can take charge and put it out when you, or someone from your boat, needs a pickup after a fall. This is yet another way to show them the importance of communicating with other boaters at all times.
Tip #6 – Give them the “Keep Watch” Duty
Lastly, asking your kids to help you out at the helm as you keep watch for anything coming in your way will also allow them to understand the importance of paying constant attention. Plus, since kids have a much sharper vision, they can make you aware of the other boaters from a long distance away, especially in unexpected foggy conditions.
Now that you’ve learned how to make your kids good boaters from an early age, it’s time you also invest in quality docks to ensure your little ones’ safety. You can head to our website at EZ Dock to check out your options or call our experts at (800) 654-8168 if you need your queries answered related to our products!
