Boating is an activity you must try when you are outdoors. If you are camping with your family, a ride around the nearby lake would really be a fun and memorable experience for everyone, especially the kids. But like any outdoor activity, safety should be your top priority. Newbies need to be very cautious, so come prepared and stay informed!

Here are 5 boating tips to make your experience safe and memorable:

Ride your boat in small bodies of water.

While sailing through the currents of a flowing river sounds extremely appealing, sticking to smaller, calmer bodies of water for your first boating adventure is ideal. Everyone will feel more comfortable with the nearby shore where you can see.

Also, smaller bodies of water tend to be calmer no matter the weather and no one has to worry about motion sickness. Once you have gained more experience in handling the boat, you can move on to larger bodies of water for future adventures!

Aim for safety and protection

Life jackets are your first layer of safety while you’re out on the water and should be worn at all times, even if you’re just sailing close to shore. If your little one is too small to wear one, they are probably too small to carry around in a boat.

It is also important that everyone feels safe, especially children. Remind them that there is no horseplay on the boat and that each child must be supervised by an adult.

keep it fun

Most children have very short attention spans. After a while, they might start to feel boring, so make sure you plan your trip accordingly. You can allocate time for a picnic, swimming or fishing (make sure they are allowed) or you can bring binoculars and try to find birds and wildlife.

protect yourself from the sun

A sunny day is the perfect setting for a boat adventure. However, it is important to protect yourself from the sun’s harmful rays, even if your boat is equipped with awnings or cabins. Remind everyone to put on sunscreen, bring sunglasses, a floppy hat, or wear long-sleeved shirts just in case.

Secure your belongings

It’s great for leaving behind personal items (purses, keys, gadgets, etc.), but if you must take them with you, place them in a Ziploc brand bag to keep them from getting wet. Take out phones and cameras just to take photos, but aim for a device-free adventure!

Make your first boat trip with the family safe and enjoyable with these 5 helpful tips!