Casting off and setting sail for a weekend, a week, or longer: a dream for many sea lovers. But is it safe to sail with children on board?
Yes, by adopting a few simple habits so that everyone can safely enjoy the pleasures of life at sea. TEMO offers some suggestions to make your family cruise a peaceful voyage for the entire crew.
Before going on a cruise with children.
In addition to the usual preparations and a check of the boat and motor, when going out to sea with children, the following points should also be considered: Properly preparing for a cruise means choosing a program suited to your crew. Opt for short crossings, punctuated by regular stopovers to stretch your legs.
Plan for short sailing trips and long stopovers.
Properly planning your cruise means choosing a program suited to your crew. Opt for short crossings, punctuated by regular stopovers to stretch your legs.
Check the condition of its annex and motor.
Having suitable equipment for everyone.
Sunglasses, sunscreen, a hat. But also boots, a fleece, and a waterproof jacket and trousers : this is the minimum investment for comfortable outings at sea. Summer and winter, in temperate zones, children must be properly equipped to protect themselves against the sun, wind, cold, and damp.
Some rules to follow when sailing with family.
| Explaining the safety rules before departure gives children time to internalize them rather than experiencing them as constraints. |
Children must wear a life jacket.
- Where? We get equipped before arriving on the pontoon or before leaving the cabin.
- When? We wear the life jacket while sailing, at anchor, and at the dock. Because it is precisely when the boat is stationary that adult vigilance decreases and children become bolder.
- What type of life jacket? Foam life jackets are generally well-tolerated by younger children: the padded collar can act as a headrest during an impromptu nap in the cockpit. After age 6 or 7, for children who can swim, it's best to switch to a self-inflating life jacket, which will be more comfortable.
- Accessories? We add a tether as soon as the sea gets rougher or the wind picks up.
Some good habits to adopt on board with children.
- Children are never left alone on the boat and never go out alone into the cockpit or onto the deck.
- Close the cabin doors at night
- Install lifeline nets
- Bringing younger children into the cabin during complicated maneuvers to avoid collisions, impacts or tangled wires…
How can we make the cruise enjoyable for both young and old?
Create a special children's area in the cabin.
The marine environment is fascinating, but when the swell arrives and the sun disappears, it's suddenly less fun. The children then head for the cabin: a warm, cozy refuge, a "cabin" where close quarters are reassuring. You can therefore set up a section of the saloon or a cabin with them, with cuddly toys, games, coloring books, and bedtime essentials within easy reach. Depending on their age, add cushions or a lee cloth.
When sailing, favor comfortable points of sail.
The heeling, noise, and movement caused by sailing close-hauled can be quite unpleasant for inexperienced crews. Opting for a more comfortable point of sail can be worthwhile, even if it lengthens the journey.
How to keep children occupied while sailing?
- Watching the sea, the sails, the coast, the birds, the other boats… With a pair of binoculars around your neck, it’s even better!
- Trolling when conditions permit, or line fishing while at anchor
- Bring books, games and coloring pages
- Involve children in sailing. From a very young age, children can take the helm with an adult. Then, as the years go by, they can learn to spot buoys, navigate using a chart, and handle the sheets…
As you can see, safe family boating is possible. It's up to you to adopt the right habits and establish onboard rules that suit everyone. Keeping in mind one simple goal: that boating remains a pleasure for all!
And you, what are your tips for sailing as a family?
Discover how TEMO makes your family cruises easier.
