Boating is an activity you should try when you are outdoors. If you are camping with your family, a walk around the nearby lake would really be a fun and memorable experience for everyone, especially children. But like any outdoor activity, safety should be your top priority. Newbies need to be very cautious, so come prepared and stay informed!

Here are 5 boating tips to make your experience safe and memorable:

Ride your boat on small bodies of water.

While it sounds extremely appealing to navigate through the currents of a flowing river, it’s ideal to stick to smaller, calmer bodies of water for your first boating adventure. Everyone will feel more at ease with the nearby shore where you can see.

Also, smaller bodies of water tend to be calmer no matter the weather and no one has to worry about motion sickness. Once you’ve gained more experience handling the boat, you can move on to larger bodies of water for future adventures!

Aim for safety and security

Life jackets are your first layer of safety while on the water and should be worn at all times, even if you’re only going to be boating close to shore. If your little one is too small to wear one, they’re probably too small to take on a boat.

It is also important that everyone feels safe, especially children. Remind them that there is no horseplay on the boat and that each child must be supervised by an adult.

keep it fun

Most children have very short attention spans. After a while, they might start to feel bored, so be sure to plan your trip accordingly. You can allot time for a picnic, swimming, or fishing (make sure these are allowed) or you can bring binoculars and try to spot birds and wildlife.

protect yourself from the sun

A sunny day is the perfect setting for a boating adventure. However, it is important to protect yourself from the sun’s harmful rays, even if your boat is equipped with awnings or cabins. Remind everyone to put on sunscreen, bring sunglasses, a floppy hat, or wear long-sleeved shirts just in case.

insure your belongings

It’s ideal for leaving behind personal effects (wallets, keys, gadgets, etc.), but if you must take them with you, place them in a Ziploc bag to prevent them from getting wet. Take out phones and cameras just to take photos, but aim for a device-free adventure!

Make your first family boating safe and enjoyable with these 5 helpful tips!