Sailing with kids

kloudie1 · Jul 9, 2014

We used vests like this with a leg strap http://www.stearnsflotation.com/Child-Classic-Series-Life-Vest-P11.aspx#.U71k1_ldV8F
It is important for the kids to know how to swim too. The biggest problem down here is that they can be hot for the kidz so ya tend to want them a little loose; hence the need for a leg strap. Take them to a pool and make sure they work OK and the kids are comfortable in 'em. I still have a couple on board that my kids used when they were small.. 30+ years ago.
We also installed lifeline netting on our 23 way back when.

mudtertel · Jul 9, 2014

The grandkids , all five of them and a small dog,must wear life jackets . when out in the river, I drop out a fender,tied to my dock line.they jump off the back and hangs on the line.The dog , is eased down in the water and stays very close to the boat.The ten year old twins gets a big kick out of going in and out of the forward hatch.If that don't work I tie them up and put them in the bildge ( only kidding about that )When they get to bored, we all go in and go home.

thinwater · Jul 9, 2014

(Note. There is NO substitute for close supervision. Someone is going to say that they could hang themselves or such crap. Save me the trouble of telling you you should have been there, controling the situation. That's what parents are for.)

Harnesses with crotch strap.

Given your climate (Moblie, AL), making the kids wear a PFD at the dock is just barely separated from child abuse, IMHO. Kids jackets are disproportionate and they overheat quickly compared to adults. Would you have them wear a parka when it is 100F + full humidity? Out with the wind, OK, but not in a steamy marina. They will be better off at home in the AC, or under a tree a safe distance away from the water.

In fact, PFDs are seldom used on our boat (in kayaks and the dingy) but harnesses are used plenty. When my daughter was tiny, before she could walk, she had a tether that would keep her away from the edge of the boat. Certainly there were times when a PFD was a better answer, and we did use one. But it is not always the best answer, IMHO.

jeepsailor · Jul 9, 2014

We weren't big on lifejackets at the dock, relying more on our kid's ability to swim (it's never too early for lessons), as well as close parental supervision. They were taught early what was, and wasn't, okay at the dock. And they were always within eyesight of my wife or I.

Out on the boat was slightly different, while above decks, lifejackets were mandatory - following USCG regs up to the age of 13. While in the cabin, life jackets could come off, but were always accessible. And it's helpful to lead by example, even when they are young. When I go forward on anything other than a flat day, I throw my jacket on. Actually, with my inflatable, once I put it on, I tend to leave it on, as it's comfortable and I kind of forget it's there. And comfort is important, better to spend the extra $10-$20 on a PFD that they like and will wear. We used kayaking jackets when they got a bit older, as they are cut shorter and are more comfortable to sit and move in.

Hope that all helps.

patrickfarley · Jul 9, 2014

My kids always wear PFDs(Now 16 and 19) They started sailing around 6 months old(When they finally fit a life jacket). When they were young we lived in Florida and it gets a little warm there in the summer time. When they were very young I would plug the drain in the cockpit and partially fill it with water.

Cups and water fights can be fun and cooling. Make sure it is water without ice(learned you have to explain that part to the kids).

A place to take a nap and play with toys always helped. I would fill the main cabin with cushions to make a flat area and then covered it with a large comforter. This was a good play area and nap area.

Plenty of water and snacks.

Water to rinse salt water off kids. Wash Georgia mud off kids.

Have everything ready to go when the kids get to the boat. Waiting is usually not their thing.

Short trips until they love sailing and want to stay longer.

Fish for bait fish that the kids can catch one every couple minutes. I have very tiny hooks that I put a tiny piece of cheese on and the kids catch little fish every couple of minutes. We put them in a bucket until it is time to go.

Life jackets have always been a must for me. I always tried to watch the kids but they move quickly and I do not follow them with my eyes at all times and they can disappear in an instant. I never had an emergency situation with children on my boats or on the docks but I always try to prepare for the worst. I think all we can do is reduce risk. I have been lucky.

Kermit · Jul 9, 2014

I was going to answer with my own thoughts but I'm afraid I might stir the water. Oh heck, let the stirring begin. I always wear a PFD for my own sake and the sake of others who don't know how to sail and would panic anyway. Takes sinking out of the equation. I'm pretty sure this isn't what you were asking about but it makes sense to me. If the skipper is in the drink, who's gonna save him?

WayneH · Jul 9, 2014

Mainly because my kids are grown and survived their daddy's "humor" on more than one occasion, I offer this.

May not be legal in any state but sometimes just the threat can control a rowdy crew.

Ziggler · Jul 9, 2014

Wayne, that was a laugh.

OK, more tips. My kids are 6 & 10 and they've been out with me for many seasons - so all the way back to 4yrs old. My ideas for keeping them happy and alive:

- Friends: Let them bring a friend. The shared experience and being "the expert" for their friend(s) make the sail much more exciting for them

- Toy boats: Trail a toy boat behind that they hold onto with string.

- Pirates: Let them dress up as pirates and adults do lots of "arrgghhhs!" They love it.

- Heeling: Allow the boat to heel more than might be necessary. Another thrill for them.

- Breaks: Lots of breaks to run around on shores, beaches, marinas.

- Dogs: Having a dog along makes it a more shared experience and the kids delight in watching the dog cope with sailing life.

- Swimming: off the boat or shore is a major bonus for them.

Have fun.

Scott B · Jul 9, 2014

Let them swing from the yardarm.... or spare halyard

Of course if they get mouthy........

Scotty C-M · Jul 9, 2014

Kids on boats are so cool!

1. I let the kids pick out the lifejackets at the store. Lots of mermaids for the grand daughtors! Yes, they wear them on the dock and the boat when topside and the cockpit.

2. For the little ones, when it's windy I have a teather for them to wear.

3. Make a place for them. On our boats it's typically the forepeak ("Kid's Territory"). We have LOTS of toys and books. They love to make a nest up there.

4. Short sails (at first), lots of fun things to look for (who can find a ...bird, sea otter, sea lion, etc.), let them steer the boat and work the sails - obviously a bit at a time so that they are successful.

We sailed for years with our three boys, and now we're working on our grandchildren. I hope you family has a wonderful time together.

Bill Roosa · Jul 9, 2014

I would note that at the dock if you fall in and hit your head on the way it does not matter how good a swimmer you are. Make them ware their PFD at the dock, no exceptions.
Another important rule is "one had for you and one hand for the boat" You will need to repeat this until you and every other adult on board is blue in the face BTW

Crazy Dave Condon · Jul 10, 2014

good advice bill roosa

RECESS · Jul 10, 2014

My 10 year old has grown up on our sailboats. He used to wear a ski vest type life jackets anywhere near the dock. For the past few years he only wears one when we are underway and above deck. We never have him wear one when on the sailboat.

Sailing with kids

av8erdunn

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kloudie1

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av8erdunn

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mudtertel

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thinwater

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jeepsailor

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patrickfarley

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Kermit

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WayneH

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Ziggler

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av8erdunn

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Scott B

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Scotty C-M

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Bill Roosa

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Crazy Dave Condon

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av8erdunn

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RECESS

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