Think About Safety When Sailing With Children

Many parents feel anxious at the thought of having their children on board a boat. They usually worry about their safety and wonder what to do if their children become seasick, etc. Sailing with children can, however, be a pleasant and even unforgettable experience for the whole family.

In order for both parents and children to feel calm and secure, it is important to take certain things into account. Parents must also inform themselves properly before taking their children on a sailboat.

There are some general safety regulations when it comes to sailing. In addition, there are specific recommended precautions before sailing with children. Today we discuss these security measures in detail.

Weather and wind

The first thing to do before sailing is to check the current weather forecast. This is important regardless of whether children are to come along or not.

To have a pleasant trip and avoid dangers and discomfort, you want optimal weather conditions. If the forecast is not favorable, it is better to cancel your trip and avoid risks beyond your control.

SMHI issues its maritime report with specific meteorological information for coastlines and beaches. This information is widely transmitted through various means of communication, including digital signs at nautical clubs and marinas.

Important precautions when sailing with children, depending on age

The safety precautions you need to take vary depending on the age of the children. For example, infants are much safer in the cabin. In addition, the boat’s movement will probably help your little one to be able to take a nice, long nap.

Children between 5 and 10 years old usually love to sail. They take in every detail as part of a great adventure.

Older children and adolescents may need more motivation to enjoy the journey. It is best to give them responsibility and involve them in various tasks on the boat. They will surely appreciate the experience.

It is important that an adult always monitors children when they are on the boat. In addition, children should always wear a life jacket. In addition, if the weather is bad, children should also wear a seat belt. Finally, it is important that children learn the basic rules of boat safety as soon as they are old enough to understand.

Follow instructions

The first thing children need to learn before sailing is that the captain’s words apply. In other words, they must follow all instructions and orders for their own safety. Disobedient children can jeopardize their own safety, as well as that of others.

Young people must learn to respect the boat’s safety rules without exception. For example, they must understand that they cannot go to the bow of the boat without an adult.

At the same time, there are things on the boat that they are not allowed to touch for various reasons, such as the cabin controls or the radio. Finally, children must learn to always hold on with one hand when moving around the boat.

If they respect the safety rules, they will have a great experience. In addition to sailing itself, there are many activities to enjoy when you are on the boat. For example, dive from the boat to swim (when the boat has dropped anchor, the engine is off and they are supervised by adults, of course), snorkeling and fishing. There are also various water sports that children can engage in.

Recommendations for sailing with children: What if they get seasick?

It is very common for children to become seasick when they are on a boat. In fact, many adults also suffer from seasickness. This can quickly make the sailing trip less enjoyable. Seasickness is less common in children under 2 years of age. There are some simple recommendations that can help you avoid seasickness when sailing with children.

For example, you can give them medicines that are effective against motion sickness. Choose a variety that is adapted for children and in Sweden there are a couple of different types of over-the-counter medicines for motion sickness, for example postafen. It is important for them to take it half an hour before boarding the boat.

Another good recommendation is to make sure that the children eat breakfast, drink plenty of water and take vitamin supplements with vitamin C before the boat trip.