Boating Safety Tips for Kids kids and teens
Always a big sleepaway camp favorite, boating captures kids'
sense of accomplishment, adventure and fun. Whether zipping across the
water on a jet ski, skimming like a bird over the lake on a windsurfer
or harnessing the breeze on a sailboat, campers love to take to the
lake. Boating is a huge part of overnight summer camp recreation, and
although fun is the ultimate outcome, safety is the primary priority
when heading out on the water. Following are some of the major safety
points for boating.
Whether heading out for an hour or a day on any form of water craft, it's vitally important that all boaters not only have a life vest onboard, but also wear it. Life jackets should fit correctly, be fastened properly and should be donned prior to leaving the dock.
Accidents can happen with terrible speed out on the water. One way to avoid potential trouble is to routinely check forecasts before heading out. However, weather can change fast, and kids need to learn to stay alert for such troublesome signs as darkening clouds, rough water or sudden drops in temperature. Though kids in camp boating programs will be told by instructors when to head in to shore, it's important that every boater stay alert for these warning signs from Mother Nature.
Though it may sound like a given, kids need to know that they need to stay alert and use common sense anywhere on the water. Operating at a safe speed is particularly important on any motorized water craft, including jet skis. It's important to pay close attention to boat traffic and be aware of which vessels may be restricted in the ability to stop or turn. Buoys and navigational aids are there to be sure boaters don't wander onto rocks or shoals and should always be heeded.
Whether operating a motorized craft, a sailboat or a kayak, kids need to know the rules of the road out on the water. Approaching another boat is much like approaching an intersection in a car, and kids need to know what to do when their boat is crossing paths with another, is on a course to meet another craft head-on or when they wish to overtake another boat. Knowing a few basic rules maintains courtesy and safety on the water.
From a capsizing to falling overboard, young boaters need to know what to do in case of emergency. Overnight sleepaway camp counselors will thoroughly review emergency procedures and conduct man-overboard drills with youngsters prior to the first expedition out on the water.
While staying safe is of primary importance during sleepaway camp boating activities, of course what the campers remember most of all is the fun of experiencing adventures on the lake or at sea with friends and counselors. During summers at camp, kids can experience everything from the joy of rigging their first sailboat to the thrill of learning how to handle a windsurfer and the excitement of long paddling expeditions. Safe, fun boating is the hallmark of a great summer camp.
Always Wear a Life Jacket
Whether heading out for an hour or a day on any form of water craft, it's vitally important that all boaters not only have a life vest onboard, but also wear it. Life jackets should fit correctly, be fastened properly and should be donned prior to leaving the dock.
Check the Conditions
Accidents can happen with terrible speed out on the water. One way to avoid potential trouble is to routinely check forecasts before heading out. However, weather can change fast, and kids need to learn to stay alert for such troublesome signs as darkening clouds, rough water or sudden drops in temperature. Though kids in camp boating programs will be told by instructors when to head in to shore, it's important that every boater stay alert for these warning signs from Mother Nature.
Using Common Sense
Though it may sound like a given, kids need to know that they need to stay alert and use common sense anywhere on the water. Operating at a safe speed is particularly important on any motorized water craft, including jet skis. It's important to pay close attention to boat traffic and be aware of which vessels may be restricted in the ability to stop or turn. Buoys and navigational aids are there to be sure boaters don't wander onto rocks or shoals and should always be heeded.
Know the Rules of the Road
Whether operating a motorized craft, a sailboat or a kayak, kids need to know the rules of the road out on the water. Approaching another boat is much like approaching an intersection in a car, and kids need to know what to do when their boat is crossing paths with another, is on a course to meet another craft head-on or when they wish to overtake another boat. Knowing a few basic rules maintains courtesy and safety on the water.
Always Be Prepared
From a capsizing to falling overboard, young boaters need to know what to do in case of emergency. Overnight sleepaway camp counselors will thoroughly review emergency procedures and conduct man-overboard drills with youngsters prior to the first expedition out on the water.
Fun on the Water
While staying safe is of primary importance during sleepaway camp boating activities, of course what the campers remember most of all is the fun of experiencing adventures on the lake or at sea with friends and counselors. During summers at camp, kids can experience everything from the joy of rigging their first sailboat to the thrill of learning how to handle a windsurfer and the excitement of long paddling expeditions. Safe, fun boating is the hallmark of a great summer camp.
If you're considering sending your child to an overnight summer camp,
be sure to visit our site to learn about Camp Walt Whitman. Located in
the White Mountains of New Hampshire, Camp Walt Whitman offers a safe,
nurturing environment in a beautiful mountain setting. Our camp is a
coed sleepaway camp, with separate areas for boys and girls. The kids
have a blast, and make friendships that can last a lifetime.
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