Blog | Monday, November 25, 2024
4 Things to Teach Kids About Yachting Safety
Have you ever been yachting off the coast of Los Cabos?
Setting sail across the sparkling Sea of Cortez is nothing short of spectacular.
From stunning sights to see and decadent amenities to enjoy, there’s something to suit even the most discerning traveler’s fancy during an escape to the East Cape.
If you’re planning to bring your children along on your next elegant excursion, brush up on the following yachting safety tips to ensure a seamless experience for everyone onboard.
Sharing these important safety factors will help kids–and their grown-ups–feel more confident and secure while on the water, resulting in a more pleasing experience for everyone.
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1. Get to know your yacht crew
When you’re planning to bring kids aboard your yacht on vacation in lovely Los Cabos, they need to know who’s who–and what to do–in case of an emergency when you’re not readily available or right nearby.
Help young yachters know who to seek assistance from in various situations, from the stew to the captain.
Children would also be wise to know that in the event of extreme inclement weather, for example, it’s imperative to follow the captain’s orders.
Explain to the kids that the captain has a very important role, and that he or she is responsible for the safety and security of everyone aboard the boat.
For this reason, his or her orders must be listened to and followed carefully, because they have the knowledge and experience needed to do so.
Make memorizing the crew’s names and faces fun by letting your yachting youngsters make a visual, like a colorful poster or flashcards.
Hang the poster or store the flashcards in a central location.
Will multiple children be on board? Have them quiz one another, keep score, or test their memory with a matching game.
Want to up the ante and increase their engagement?
Offer them a prize or reward for their hard work and extra effort.
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2. Where to locate safety devices
When you’re going yachting off the coast of Los Cabos, knowing where to locate important safety-related objects onboard the boat is another need to know for children.
Organize a safety-object scavenger hunt to educate them on where to find these essential items–and what to do with them–if and when the situation arises.
Include things like life jackets, flotation devices, fire alarms, blankets, first aid kits, VHF radios, and fire extinguishers on the list.
While they may not need to explicitly know how to use all of these items, understanding where they can be found, along with their purpose, will enhance their sense of security and awareness.
One item they do need hands-on instruction with, of course, is a life jacket.
Make sure they practice putting them on properly, fastening them, and know when to wear them.
The scavenger hunt can also contain information about when and how to access these items, as well as the seriousness of their purpose.
If you’ve got a mix of age groups within your kiddie crew, consider letting them split into teams, or partner older and younger children together to level the playing field.
Be sure to have an adult supervising the scavenger hunt for the duration of the activity, particularly when sending kids all around the yacht.
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3. Emergency signals and procedures
Learning basic emergency signals and procedures may not sound particularly exciting to child passengers, so liven up the topic by allowing them to channel their inner actors and actresses.
Let them role-play different scenarios and have them act out what they would do in certain situations by putting on a safety skit.
They can write a script, assign roles, and even wear costumes or design a poster for their skit, showcasing what to do in the event of a fire, man overboard, or during inclement weather events.
Familiarize them with distress signals like SOS, the sound of the boat’s horn, and visual signals such as flares on the water or waving arms expressing a need for assistance.
Get the crew in on the fun by enlisting their help to advise or supervise the kiddos, procuring props and art supplies, or taking part in the performance as audience members.
Feeling techy? Take the skit to the next level for older kids by letting them film a movie and debut it to everyone onboard, complete with popcorn and candy for a real Hollywood feel.
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4. Best onboard safety practices
Teaching children the importance of how to control their bodies while yachting is another crucial piece of the water safety puzzle.
Instruct them on why and how to avoid slippery decks, keeping their hands and feet inside the boat while onboard, and not leaning over the railing are all critical safety practices.
Additional preventative measures include teaching them not to play with or near machinery, respecting “no swimming” zones, using the buddy system at all times while exploring, visiting different locations on the yacht, and wearing a life jacket–properly–at the appropriate times.
Make this topic come to life for young passengers by allowing them to tap into their creative sides.
Let them use various crafting materials, like paper, yarn, markers, or glue to create unique safety procedure flags.
They can hone in on one rule or procedure and express their understanding of its importance with the flag’s design.
Have them communicate the meaning behind each element included in their unique design.
For older children, suggest having them write or type a poem or song to accompany the flag.
Display their finished product proudly to boost their yachtie confidence.
Cap off your unforgettable experience yachting off the coast of Los Cabos by docking at Marina Village. Located steps from the water’s edge in Costa Palmas, you’ll be surrounded by unassuming style and sophistication. Relax and recharge at your choice of indoor and al fresco dining spots, cozy up to the fire pit with your crew and listen to the soothing sounds of live music, or hit the dance floor at the onsite nightclub. Engage in retail therapy at one of the upscale boutiques or let your stress melt away by taking advantage of the luxurious amenities at your fingertips.
