Children and safety

Hello,

There was a nice thread about 4 years old children on a boat recently. In some weeks I go sailing with children for the first time. They are 8 and 11 y/o. I wonder what safety measures are reasonable beside life jackets. Should I give them a child-oriented safety briefing? What should I tell and teach them? But I’d like to keep it simple, because I don’t want to traumatize them with unlikely horror scenarios. They’ve never been on a yacht before.

Thank you in advance!

I replied to that thread as well. You can use the search function.

Just a few quick points. We routinely charter with our young kids. Age 3 and 5 now (started regularly at 1 and 3). We always sail on a monohull which I find much easier to watch them aboard. It has one exit point which is the companionway. We’ve been on catamarans with our friends and there is too much room to safely watch them and sail.

Basic safety measures. ALWAYS know where they are and watch them closely. When underway, they ALWAYS have life jackets on and are always clipped into jack lines with a tether. Once at anchor they are free to play without life jackets but we ALWAYS watch them.

Our kids are young though. I would think an 8 and 11 year old should be pretty good with listening, wearing life jackets at all times, etc. Regardless of age, it’s always good to prevent a man overboard.

Also, when just my wife, me and kids, my wife and I always wear inflatable life jacks underway too.

Have fun.

As a guest on boats, it was important for my son to understand the captain is in charge, period. When the captain speaks/gives instruction, pay attention and obey, don't look to mom or dad for verification/permission or ever question the captain as it relates to safety and security.

Here is a good thread:

http://www.traveltalkonline.com/ubb...ds-all-boys-ideas-for-fun.html#Post54244

Life jackets a must, especially need proper fitting and comfortable.
I am not sure I would clip into jack lines as going overboard, being dragged has risk of drowning and crew with tether needs to be able to detach, depending on situation.

Definitely teach "1 hand for boat and 1 for you".

Also, No leaving cockpit without specific adult (Mom? Captain?, Dad?) being informed and aware.

Monohulls vs catamarans has different issues. Yes, monohulls more contained (for better or for worse) but heeling results in maneuvering on deck issues.

AND SUNSCREEN!

Make it clear to your children that they are never to uncleat or release a jam cleat/ clutch without your express permission and teach them to always check the loads on lines before a release is considered. Nasty injuries can result from the high loads big boats experience. I give non sailing adults the same brief.
G