Spending time out on the water with your family is a great way to connect and make lasting memories together. When taking children, some extra considerations should be factored in to ensure you get the most out of your trip.
Consider entertainment
Keeping the kids entertained while you are sailing is not only beneficial for them but you also. The more fun they are having, the less likely they are to hassle you about being bored, allowing you to relax and enjoy some well-deserved time out. They may be content when you stop, and they can go swimming, but it’s a good idea to consider the other times on your trip. Blow up floaties are always fun. Snorkelling or jet skiing is usually well received by those who are a little more adventurous. The kids may be able to throw out a line overboard too. Before your trip, it is best to discuss what activities are available to you with the provider, this enables you to cater the fun to you and the kids liking. While onboard, you could bring along their devices of course but to get them interacting and off technology consider some card or board games.
Ensure children are always supervised by an adult
Sailing comes with inherent risks both from the boat itself and the water. Children, especially young ones, are naturally curious and eager to explore their surroundings, they often don’t understand that their actions can be dangerous. While there will be staff on board, it’s ultimately up to the parents or caregivers to be aware of where their children are at all times as most won’t take responsibility for watching children.
Safety should be the number one priority
While sailing, safety is paramount not only for younger passengers but everyone on board. Children should have life jackets on and you should ensure they are well-fitted. Most charter companies provide life jackets, verify that they have sizes suitable for children of your age onboard before your trip. Ensure that the kids remain seated while sailing, and if they want to move around the boat, advise them that they can only do so if they are accompanied by an adult. Set some rules and ensure the kids are across all of them before the trip.
Make sure everyone has sufficient sun protection
Getting sunburnt can be painful, and it can put a dampener on everyone’s fun. Children typically have a lower tolerance to pain and don’t cope as well as adults. Make sure everyone has adequate sun protection. This includes full sleeve rash shirts, sunscreen, wide brim hats, and sunglasses. Make a point of spending time in the shade throughout the day to take a rest from the sun, and to reapply sunscreen when necessary. The glare from the water and sand can bounce back up, so ensure precautions are taken while onboard too.
Pack a basic first-aid kit
Your charter company will likely be equipped with a first aid kit however, it doesn’t hurt to bring along your own just in case. Include a seasick medication, paracetamol or alternative and some band-aids.
Bring a big drink bottle each
The kids are going to be out in the sun while swimming and having fun and this can be physically exhausting, so they need to have plenty of water on hand for when they need a drink. Kids can easily forget to drink water throughout the day so ensure you prompt them often to have some.
Start with short trips
If your children have never been out on a boat before, introduce them to it slowly by organising short trips. This allows them to get used to being on the water, once they’ve been out on a few short trips, you can slowly extend them and before you know it, you’ll be able to go out for days if you choose.
Bring help
If you want to be able to relax without having to watch over the kids every second, consider bringing a babysitter or a family member that’s happy to help with the kids. That way, you can share the care load and get in a bit of R&R at the same time.
Make it fun
When your trips are fun, everyone enjoys themselves and are eager to do it again. Think of ways you can include the kids in your fun. Think music, great food, games and hanging out together.
Taking the kids out on the water doesn’t have to be a stressful and elaborate task. Starting off with a small trip can give you an idea of what works and what doesn’t, and you can alter the trip next time so it is more suitable. Being out on the water has calming effects, and it provides the perfect setting to make lasting memories with those you care about most. Floating along the Riviera Maya provides you and the kids with the opportunity to see sea life while you are sailing, and there is always something new to see and explore. This kind of experience is simply unmatched by anything else you can do on land. Here at Riviera Charters, we offer yacht charters that are designed for the whole family. We cater the trip to suit you and your children’s needs, including food, music, entertainment, and everything in between. Contact us today for more information.
