In many Canadian provinces, there’s a day set aside in February specifically devoted to family. In honour of that, we’re here with a few tips to make boating a full-family adventure. Whether you’ve got a large and enthusiastic crew, or a few stragglers who just need a small push toward understanding how great the sailors’ life really is, check out these tips to make the most of family time on the water.

Give Kids a Task

You might have bored kids on board, or over-eager kids who want to help but end up inconveniently underfoot. Both issues can be tackled by giving them a few responsibilities (age appropriate, of course). An excited kid is an excellent assistant to the captain, grabbing gear, learning to tie lines, or assisting with navigation. 

A child who is less enthusiastic about the boat itself might be coaxed into service with a job that pays off — the person to unload the snacks could get first dibs once underway, for example.

Eventually, as kids get older and more experienced on the boat, they can take on larger tasks like co-captaining, helping to dock the boat, or planning a full itinerary.

Bringing Babies on Board

If you happen to have a tiny crew member, there is no need to halt your boating adventures until they’re older. New parents and grandparents can rest assured that babies easily fit into the boating lifestyle, once they are old enough to wear an infant life jacket. Bring the essentials on board, ensuring baby isn’t strapped not anything non-floating, and your whole family can have an enjoyable and safe adventure.

Create a Boating Bucket List

If the boat exists to serve only the captain’s adventures, everyone else might be a bit less thrilled to get on board. Involve the whole crew with a family boating bucket list, planning ahead for your next season on the water. Maybe the group wants to find fireworks on the water on a special occasion, or travel to a new anchorage. It could be an evening dedicated to fishing, a playdate or family visit on the boat (following guidelines in this COVID era), or anything else that piques your family’s interest and helps make the boat a place for everyone to enjoy.

Of course, we always recommend investing in a C-Tow membership to ensure reliable assistance that will bring peace of mind to the whole family. Wherever your adventures take you, we’re here to serve you and your crew.