Onboard Safety Helpful pontooning hints from the staff of Pontoon Boat Guide.

Few lifestyle choices bring families as close together as boating does. Not only does it allow you to spend time with your children, it provides countless opportunities to make memories together. To fully enjoy this time on the water, you’re going to want to make sure everyone is practicing safe boating.

A few simple tips:

1. Children should wear PFDs at all times, whether the boat is running, at anchor or tied up to a dock. A good children’s PFD should have a collar that turns a child face-up in the water, strong waist and crotch straps, and a collar handle. Ideally, the PFD will be bright yellow or orange for good visibility.
2. Attach a plastic safety whistle to the PFD and teach your child how to use it on the boat and then in the water.
3. As a family, practice man- and baby-overboard drills. Encourage children to be part of the crew; practice the drill with a partially filled plastic container or even a PFD-clad baby doll. Practice the “rescue” until everyone feels comfortable and knows what to do. If you plan on boating with any pets, the same tip applies — pets can go overboard as well.
4. Establish safety rules with children before leaving the dock. Don’t allow kids to perch in the bow or dangle their feet over the sides, despite the popularity of both. All children need to be properly seated while the boat is running.
5. Assign one adult on board to keep an eye on all the children; that should never be the captain’s job, as he or she must focus on the boat and its operation.
6. Assign onboard tasks; even the youngest child can handle a small job. As you teach your children about responsibility and safety on the water, they are absorbing lessons that they will serve them well for the rest of their lives.

The U.S. Coast Guard Boating Safety Resource Center has more information about boating safety regulations

Always remember: Educated boaters are responsible boaters, and it’s never too early to teach your children about safety and security. If you choose to take a boater education course, ask your kids if they would be interested in attending a children’s course. The United States Power Squadrons, for example, offers two special courses for boating kids: “Boating Fun” and “Waypoints.”

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