Safety Precautions for Children on Boats

What precautions should be taken for children on board? Spending a pleasant day at sea with the family can be an exciting experience, especially for children. However, sea voyages may carry some safety risks for children. There are a number of precautions that should be taken to ensure the safety of children on board. Below you will find the main safety precautions for children on board.

1. Use of Life Jacket

The most important step for the safety of children on a boat is to provide a lifejacket of the appropriate size for children of all age groups. A life jacket is a life saver in case of an accident or accidental fall into the water. It is important to choose life jackets that are suitable for the age and weight of your children and can be used in the marine environment. In addition, the vests should be designed in such a way that they do not prevent them from moving freely while swimming.

• Check the lifejackets: The straps and protective parts of the vests should be in good condition and not frayed or worn.
• Keep children out of sight: Do not remove the lifejackets unless the children are in the water, and make sure that the lifejackets are worn at all times even when they are on the boat.

2. Continuous Supervision of Children

The most important measure to ensure the safety of children on board is constant supervision. Unexpected situations can occur at sea and even a small moment of carelessness can lead to major accidents. All adults on board should be careful around children and take the necessary precautions to prevent children from entering the water.

• Designate safe areas on the boat: Create safe areas on the boat so that children are not travelling alone. It is very important that adults do not leave children alone.
• Keep them in sight: When children are moving around in the boat, make sure they are in a position where you can see them at all times.

3. Barriers and Obstacle Systems should be installed on the sides of the boat

Having barriers or barrier systems on the sides or outward facing areas of the boat can increase the safety of children. Especially for small children, there is a risk of falling when close to the outside of the boat. There should be no gaps and dangerous areas anywhere on the boat where children can easily fall overboard.

• Fall arrest systems: Placing suitable barriers or railings on the sides of the boat will prevent children from falling.
• Non-slip floor: Using non-slip materials on the floor of the boat prevents children from slipping and falling while moving.

4. Sun Protection

Sun rays can be quite strong in sea and open air environment. It is extremely important to protect children from the sun. Prolonged exposure to the sun can adversely affect their skin and excessive sunbathing can lead to serious health problems.

• Use sun cream: Use high-factor sunscreens to protect your children’s skin. Remember to apply 15-30 minutes before going out in the sun.
• Hats and protective clothing: Ensuring that your children wear wide-brimmed hats on their heads and clothing that protects their bodies from UV rays will help protect them from the harmful effects of the sun.
• Create shaded areas: Protect children from the direct rays of the sun by creating shaded areas on the boat.

5. Swimming Knowledge and Training

Swimming training for children is an important factor that increases safety at sea. For children who cannot swim, life jackets must be worn, and for children who can swim, it is necessary to act in accordance with safety rules.

• Teach basic swimming rules: Teach your children basic information and rules about water safety. For example, tell them that they should not go into the water alone.
• Life jackets for non-swimmers: Remember that children who cannot swim should wear a lifejacket if they go into the sea.

6. Emergency Plan and First Aid Kit

It is very important to create an emergency plan on the boat and review this plan with your children. Also, a first aid kit should always be kept on board. The first aid kit should include basic health supplies as well as supplies for falls into water or minor injuries.

• Familiarise yourself with emergency numbers: Before boarding the boat, find out the emergency numbers in your area and the nearest health centre.
• First aid training: The fact that adults have basic first aid knowledge provides rapid intervention in possible accidents.

7. Onboard Safety Precautions

It is important to take some additional precautions to ensure that children are safe on the boat. Safety bands or barriers can be used to prevent them from slipping and falling on the boat. In addition, safe areas can be created in every corner of the boat to prevent children from falling into the water.

• Reduce the risk of falling: The inside of the boat should be kept tidy and clean and slippery surfaces should be avoided.
• Create special areas for children in the boat: Designating a safe area where children can play keeps them under control.

The safety of children on boats is not limited to wearing life jackets. With the constant supervision of adults, proper training and other safety precautions to be taken, children can spend time safely on the boat. When going on a sea voyage with your children, you can ensure their safety and have a pleasant experience by taking these precautions.