Start ‘Em Young: Lessons for Young Boaters

Learning to become a proper boater is no small feat for anyone. It can take dedication, time, and practice to gain confidence onboard—but boy, is it rewarding. Your young ones may require a little extra help to learn the ropes, follow in your footsteps, and make you a proud captain.

It’s never too early to get your kids familiar with boating safety rules. How can you do this? Well, it may be easier than you think. It’s no doubt children are constantly absorbing what’s around them, watching and learning by example. Monkey see—monkey do! 

Model behavior

One of the best ways you can start teaching them young is to always model acceptable boating operations and safety guidelines. If you don’t have that life jacket on, your kid won’t want to either. After all, they think you’re the coolest (and we agree!)—so show them safe can also mean fun by buckling up. Make sure your young ones have their own life jackets that fit properly, and for bonus points, that are unique and special to them. A jacket with their favorite color or design could be more convincing, ease complaining, and keep morale high on the water for everyone.

Making young boaters aware of major boating safety rules, such as keeping hands and feet inside the boat and emphasizing caution around the propeller, will encourage and condition safe thinking from a young age.

Get them involved

Another great way to familiarize children and adolescents with boating skills is to involve them in the process. Teach them to identify parts of the boat, understand each one’s purpose and maybe even quiz them on their knowledge. Ask them to assist you in basics such as navigating buoys and tying boating knots so they can learn by doing. And finally, once they’re ready to take the wheel (literally and figuratively)—let them! With the right supervision, of course.

Explore education options

Once they’re of proper age and you’ve taught them all that you can, a boating course is always a good idea. There are an abundance of boating courses, education and training options out there to solidify their knowledge, prepare them for boating exams, and help them one day obtain their boating license. With these small steps, your young ones can go from little passenger to confident captain and be the boater you—and we—both want them to be.