I participated in an Influencer Activation Program on behalf of Mom Central Consulting for Sea Tow. I received a promotional item to thank me for participating.
I grew up going to the lake on a regular basis. I loved going to the lake, even though I was afraid of the boat for most of my childhood. Maybe I watched too many episodes of Gilligan’s Island, but I was always afraid our boat would wreck. It seems pretty irrational to me now, but it was a real fear for me in those days. Now, as a parent, I do my best to teach my own children about boating safety and my husband and I plan our trips with safety in mind. Our focus is fun but we pay attention to detail!
We live fairly close to several desert lakes and we often visit them to fish, sometimes renting a boat and spending a day on the water. In our home state, minor children can operate a boat so long as there is a parent or guardian on board. One of my favorite boating memories is of my grandpa showing me how to operate his bass boat. It felt so exciting to fly across the water. Here is a fun picture of my son piloting a pontoon boat back when he was barely four years old. Of course, the boat was slow and Daddy was right next to him.
Like any family activity, boating takes planning and preparation. We typically pack up towels, snacks, a lunch, sunscreen, water, some extra clothes, and our sense of adventure. We also always make sure we have life vests for everyone who will be on the boat. We are all about being prepared. I just found out about one pretty neat resource for boaters. Sea Tow and the Sea Tow Foundation are the boater’s friend and they can help make boating a better experience for your family. Before I tell you about Sea Tow, check out this example of the handy resources they provide. This First Mate Checklist helps Mom and Dad keep on eye on safety, while allowing the kiddos to be involved in the boating experience on a new level.
The Sea Tow Foundation promotes safe boating practices and education initiatives with the purpose of reducing accidents, fatalities, and property damage related to recreational boating. Sea Tow has several Loaner Life Jacket Stand locations which you can find here. They really have the boater covered and provide safety tips, checklists, and even ideas for snacks to take along for the kiddos.
Sea Tow also offers a boater’s version of road-side assistance. Sea Tow members receive free towing, fuel drops, jump starts, priority service, Automated Radio Checks, 24/7 nationwide coverage, knowledgeable Captains, covered ungroundings, savings opportunities and much more. Sea Tow offers memberships at two levels: Gold Card for $169 a year and Lake Card for $119 a year.
I think that is a great deal. Are you a Sea Tow member? Have you ever been stranded in a boat? What’s your favorite boating snack? Feel free to leave a comment. I love hearing from my readers!
About Janice
Though i’m not on boats often this is a good reminder to make sure everyone has the proper information. I will be passing this info along to my 3 little ones so they can follow along with the checklist as well. Thanks for the tips!
It is so important for families to make sure their kids are safe when boating. Thanks for sharing these helpful tips.
These are some great tips that should be followed when you are on the water.
My family doesn’t have a ton of boating experience, other than being on a cruise ship. I know they’d love to explore though! As a mom, it’s important to know they’ll be safe with whichever activity we do as a family.
Thanks for the tips and u don’t remember L.S. Being so young he looks like a baby driving that boat!
Safety is the major problems, Everyone should take safety precaution while boating 🙂