There is nothing more enjoyable than spending a day out on the water with your children. It can be a relaxing time for you and an adventurous time for them. However, the boating environment is filled with hazards for young children, so you need to take steps to prevent any unnecessary accidents.

You should know where poisonous substances are kept and make sure they are securely closed and placed where your child can\'t get to them. Sharp objects should be stored out of a youngster\'s reach and ropes kept where kids can\'t get caught in them. Keep children away from stairways and places were they might trip, fall or bump into protruding objects.

Whether you are out on your boat for a fishing trip, waterskiing or just enjoying a simple boat ride, safety starts with everyone on board wearing a life jacket (PFD or Personal Floatation Device). Sadly, according to the US Coast Guard, 85% of people who drown in boating accidents were not wearing floatation devices.

One way to get kids used to wearing life jackets, is to practice using them at home. You can try conducting dry-land training at home by suiting them up in their life jackets and pretending to be on the boat. This allows the children to become familiar with wearing a life jacket. But don\'t forget children are style conscious. If you can find one with a stylish design or color they may be more eager to wear it than a traditional one.

When boating with children, be sure each child has a place to sit and remind them of the importance of safety. Make sure they are seated and comfortable before leaving the dock. Also, make sure they understand that they should stay with the boat in the event of capsize. You can invite them to help you watch for other boats so you can keep a safe distance. This will help to keep them occupied and make them feel that they are an important part of the success of the trip.

Finally, you should teach your children about the safety equipment that is on board. Get them to understand the importance of items such as the fire extinguisher, flares, whistles, mirrors, and the radio. If your children are old enough, you can even begin to teach them how to use these things. Remember, the children on board are still members of the crew. Teaching them some basic safety lessons may be crucial in a time of emergency.