toneeees
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[FONT=Trebuchet MS, Lucida Grande, Arial, sans-serif]Spending time on the water with the entire family is a great way to embrace the sport of boating.[/FONT]
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[/FONT]
[FONT=Trebuchet MS, Lucida Grande, Arial, sans-serif]However, seldom do we discuss the details of what it means to pack up the family (and/or friends) for a safe and enjoyable aquatic excursion. There are a few things to remember before you embark on a boat outing with a group of any size. Each situation is different, and it's your responsibility to exercise good judgment to ensure all have a good time.[/FONT]
[FONT=Trebuchet MS, Lucida Grande, Arial, sans-serif]Safety
Safety issues are going to permeate your entire day in one form or another. Make sure you orient the children and adults about the boat, casting off and docking procedures, seating arrangements, the day?s plans, and safety topics, in addition to addressing any questions.[/FONT]
[FONT=Trebuchet MS, Lucida Grande, Arial, sans-serif]The Driver(s)
Your boat operator should have a good understanding of the area where they are boating, as well as the equipment being used. The driver should also have a good grasp of the "Rules of the Road" and general boating safety, and a genuine interest in introducing kids to boating. Don't forget to file a float plan, especially if some of the parents aren't going on the boat. Give those back home a departure/return time frame, a way to contact you, and a general idea of the day?s activities.[/FONT]
[FONT=Trebuchet MS, Lucida Grande, Arial, sans-serif]Life Jackets
First, the boat must be outfitted with the required U.S. Coast Guard safety equipment, including life jackets/PFD's for everyone on board. Many states require that the kids must wear a life jacket when on the boat, so make sure that a variety of child-size life jackets are available.[/FONT]
[FONT=Trebuchet MS, Lucida Grande, Arial, sans-serif]
[/FONT]
[FONT=Trebuchet MS, Lucida Grande, Arial, sans-serif]The children will probably not want to wear the life jackets, so set a good example and have every adult wear a life jacket, too. Grown-ups can opt for inflatable life jackets, if they wish. Remember, the children on board are looking to the adults as examples.[/FONT]
[FONT=Trebuchet MS, Lucida Grande, Arial, sans-serif]Have a Seat
Everyone must be seated when the boat is underway (moving). Carefully select where the children aboard are seated. If you are towing a rider, make sure to consult safe seating instructions for the vessel you are towing.[/FONT]
[FONT=Trebuchet MS, Lucida Grande, Arial, sans-serif]
[/FONT]
[FONT=Trebuchet MS, Lucida Grande, Arial, sans-serif]Provisioning
Pack lots of snacks, sports drinks, bottled water, and ice - and don't forget the trash bags. Sunscreen, plenty of beach towels, water shoes, and some dry clothes will come in handy, as will all the supplies for the toddlers in the group. Don't forget any medications, including seasickness treatments, in addition to the boat's fully stocked first aid kit.[/FONT]
[FONT=Trebuchet MS, Lucida Grande, Arial, sans-serif]
Pets
Many people consider their pets (dogs/cats) as family members, and think nothing of going boating with pets on board.[/FONT]
[FONT=Trebuchet MS, Lucida Grande, Arial, sans-serif]If you do a lot of boating, your pet is probably quite happy zipping around the lake, but for those occasionally boaters who want to try taking the dog or cat for a boat ride - just to see how the pet likes it - a bit of pre-trip preparation is in order.[/FONT]
Be safe, use some common sense and give your family a great experience on the water this summer. If no one gets hurt and everyone has fun, they will be coming back for more.[/FONT]
[FONT=Trebuchet MS, Lucida Grande, Arial, sans-serif]So get out there, do your best, and have some fun with the kids - they're the future of our boating lifestyle, you know.[/FONT]
[FONT=Trebuchet MS, Lucida Grande, Arial, sans-serif]
[/FONT][FONT=Trebuchet MS, Lucida Grande, Arial, sans-serif]However, seldom do we discuss the details of what it means to pack up the family (and/or friends) for a safe and enjoyable aquatic excursion. There are a few things to remember before you embark on a boat outing with a group of any size. Each situation is different, and it's your responsibility to exercise good judgment to ensure all have a good time.[/FONT]
[FONT=Trebuchet MS, Lucida Grande, Arial, sans-serif]Safety
Safety issues are going to permeate your entire day in one form or another. Make sure you orient the children and adults about the boat, casting off and docking procedures, seating arrangements, the day?s plans, and safety topics, in addition to addressing any questions.[/FONT]
[FONT=Trebuchet MS, Lucida Grande, Arial, sans-serif]The Driver(s)
Your boat operator should have a good understanding of the area where they are boating, as well as the equipment being used. The driver should also have a good grasp of the "Rules of the Road" and general boating safety, and a genuine interest in introducing kids to boating. Don't forget to file a float plan, especially if some of the parents aren't going on the boat. Give those back home a departure/return time frame, a way to contact you, and a general idea of the day?s activities.[/FONT]
[FONT=Trebuchet MS, Lucida Grande, Arial, sans-serif]Life Jackets
First, the boat must be outfitted with the required U.S. Coast Guard safety equipment, including life jackets/PFD's for everyone on board. Many states require that the kids must wear a life jacket when on the boat, so make sure that a variety of child-size life jackets are available.[/FONT]
[FONT=Trebuchet MS, Lucida Grande, Arial, sans-serif]
[/FONT][FONT=Trebuchet MS, Lucida Grande, Arial, sans-serif]The children will probably not want to wear the life jackets, so set a good example and have every adult wear a life jacket, too. Grown-ups can opt for inflatable life jackets, if they wish. Remember, the children on board are looking to the adults as examples.[/FONT]
[FONT=Trebuchet MS, Lucida Grande, Arial, sans-serif]Have a Seat
Everyone must be seated when the boat is underway (moving). Carefully select where the children aboard are seated. If you are towing a rider, make sure to consult safe seating instructions for the vessel you are towing.[/FONT]
[FONT=Trebuchet MS, Lucida Grande, Arial, sans-serif]
[/FONT][FONT=Trebuchet MS, Lucida Grande, Arial, sans-serif]Provisioning
Pack lots of snacks, sports drinks, bottled water, and ice - and don't forget the trash bags. Sunscreen, plenty of beach towels, water shoes, and some dry clothes will come in handy, as will all the supplies for the toddlers in the group. Don't forget any medications, including seasickness treatments, in addition to the boat's fully stocked first aid kit.[/FONT]
[FONT=Trebuchet MS, Lucida Grande, Arial, sans-serif]
Pets Many people consider their pets (dogs/cats) as family members, and think nothing of going boating with pets on board.[/FONT]
[FONT=Trebuchet MS, Lucida Grande, Arial, sans-serif]If you do a lot of boating, your pet is probably quite happy zipping around the lake, but for those occasionally boaters who want to try taking the dog or cat for a boat ride - just to see how the pet likes it - a bit of pre-trip preparation is in order.[/FONT]
- [FONT=Trebuchet MS, Lucida Grande, Arial, sans-serif]Pet-proof your boat - make sure to secure the food, place barriers in off-limits places[/FONT]
- [FONT=Trebuchet MS, Lucida Grande, Arial, sans-serif]Let your pet become acclimated to the boat prior to a family outing, to reduce a case of pet panic[/FONT]
- [FONT=Trebuchet MS, Lucida Grande, Arial, sans-serif]Buy a good-fitting pet life jacket (with lifting straps) and let the pet wear it for a few hours around the yard on several occasions, so he/she gets used to it. Then, go swimming, with the pet wearing the life jacket.[/FONT]
- [FONT=Trebuchet MS, Lucida Grande, Arial, sans-serif]Bring extra water and some pet food or treats[/FONT]
- [FONT=Trebuchet MS, Lucida Grande, Arial, sans-serif]A crate or leash, to keep your pet under control[/FONT]
Be safe, use some common sense and give your family a great experience on the water this summer. If no one gets hurt and everyone has fun, they will be coming back for more.[/FONT]
[FONT=Trebuchet MS, Lucida Grande, Arial, sans-serif]So get out there, do your best, and have some fun with the kids - they're the future of our boating lifestyle, you know.[/FONT]