BOATERS BLOG
Boating can be a fun family activity where kids and adults can share a common interest, have fun on the water together, and foster close relationships. From teaching your youngsters how to water ski and your teens how to operate a boat to cruising through the waves together and having family picnics on the boat, you will undoubtedly create lifelong memories and strong family bonds. Since this family-approved hobby is enjoyed by many all over the country, the experts here at NBOA want to ensure everyone’s safety is taken into consideration. So, we have compiled the perfect guide for boating with kids and teens.
Keeping Kids Safe While Boating
Some parents hesitate to board a recreational boat with their young kids and toddlers. However, we are here to give you peace of mind that kids of all ages, including infants weighing 18 lbs, can safely enjoy cruising the waterways with their parents or trustworthy adults. Before sailing and cruising with toddlers, teach them how to swim, childproof your boat the way you would your home, prepare your child with strict rules, and point out the boat’s safety features. No matter how old your 
children are, from infants to teens and even adults, everyone aboard a boat should be equipped with a properly fitted lifejacket. Be sure that your kids’ lifejackets will adequately support their weight and will be worn throughout the duration of your boating trip.
Boating Activities for Toddlers & Young Kids
Spending a few hours sitting still on a boat can be challenging for the young ones, especially if they have been watching the older kids and adults enjoying watersports. If your younger kids and toddlers are ready to try some watersports, a great and safe place to start is tubing or EZ Skiing. With a large tube or tow toy, kids can sit in the middle and hold on tightly as the boat gently pulls them around the water. EZ Skiing is the ideal gateway for young kids to explore water skiing or wakeboarding, especially since these types of watersport trainers are designed just for kids. If your child or toddler isn’t quite ready for these activities, floating docks, boat slides, and other large inflatable accessories might be more appealing.
Boating Activities for Tweens & Teens
After mastering the EZ Skis, kids can work their way up to more technical watersports like water skiing, wakeboarding, knee boarding, and even slalom skiing and wake surfing. These watersports are always a great way to bring the family together since everyone can have fun watching, participating, and cheering each other on. If you have the means, a water trampoline is fun for kids and teens to jump on and practice flips and other tricks they can try once they get back on their skis or boards.
How Old Do Teens Have to Be to Operate a Boat?
Most states across the country require kids to be a certain age and obtain a boater’s certification before they can legally operate a boat or personal watercraft. While this age range falls between 12 and 18 years old, some states, including Alaska, Idaho, Illinois, Rhode Island, and South Carolina, don’t have any age requirements. Other states, like Connecticut, Louisiana, Maryland, New Hampshire, New Jersey, Oregon, Texas, Vermont, and Wyoming, require teens to be at least 16 years old before they can legally take a boat out on the water. Before giving your kids access to the wheel or allowing them to sail solo with friends, you must check your state’s boating laws. In addition, you should always ensure your teens are confident, understand the meanings of various buoys, and regularly follow safety guidelines without being reminded.
Nothing can ruin a perfect family day on your boat like stressing about marine insurance. Not having the proper coverage in case of an accident or emergency will surely put a damper on your boating adventures. To give you priceless peace of mind both on and off the water, talk to the experts here at NBOA. You can even apply for a free boat insurance quote and begin your process today.