There is nothing quite like making memories out on the water with your children. Many adult boaters likely got first introduced to boating as kids and have fond memories of their youth bonding with family and friends while enjoying a day of water sports out on the lake with their cousins or early morning fishing trips with grandpa. Introducing the younger generations to boating can be a life-altering experience for all and should be approached with care. Boating with kids certainly presents its fair share of challenges, as the importance of safety on a boat becomes all the more critical when children are on board. Check out our top tips for some help to ensure your kid-friendly boating experience is safe and enjoyable.

-All children should wear a personal floatation device at all times. No circumstance or event makes it acceptable for a child, regardless of age, to be without a flotation device while on board a boat.

-Make sure your boat has been recently inspected and is in excellent condition to avoid unnecessary on-water issues that could potentially put children in danger.

-Double-check the weather forecast, including water, wind, and fog conditions. I recommend windy.com for accurate weather descriptions and reports. Check it out if you haven't already.

-Make sure your safety kit and equipment are up-to-date and readily accessible. This includes USCG required gear like flares and fire extinguishers, but also highly recommended gear like EPIRBs, VHF radios, first aid kits, overboard ladders, compass, charts, and more.

-Most boat accidents occur at or near the dock, making it critical to keep children clear of the launch ramp and dock areas until it is time to board the boat. There is a lot of activity in these areas, and other boaters may not be on the lookout for small children.

-Keep children near adults and in the passenger areas of the boat with railings or high gunnel freeboard. Keep kids out of less secure areas, such as the helm or bow of the vessel, and restrict their access to ladders and equipment unsuitable for kids.

-Boats have props that can be very dangerous if the proper caution is not exercised. If the motor is running, nobody should be in the water anywhere near the boat. If you frequently have children in the water, such as for water sports, consider installing a prop guard (we sell and recommend these: Prop Guard).

-Make sure the ratio of adults and kids on board is sufficient and that every child is appropriately supervised at all times. There should be enough adults to operate the vessel without having to split their attention between the boat and the children.

-Some vessels are designed to be more family and kid-friendly, like pontoon boats, ski boats, cruisers, and deck boats. Some less kid-friendly boats, such as sailboats, fishing boats, bass boats, etc., will require additional planning or equipment to be kid ready.

-It is never acceptable to drink or do drugs while operating a boat when supervising children.

-Know your limits and your boat's limits before hitting the water. Taking the kids out is not the time to learn about a boat you have never operated before.

-Lastly, be prepared for the unexpected. As an avid boater knows, things sometimes go differently than planned. Proper preparation can significantly improve the time spent on the water and even save a life.

Now that safety considerations are out of the way time for some fun! If you want boating to become a treasured way for the family to spend time together making unforgettable memories, then make sure your time together is an enjoyable experience for all.

-Start small and slow. Short trips around a local lake or harbor are great outings for kids without overdoing it and taxing their patience. Before you know it, you will be planning weekend trips to the islands.

-Plan activities that will entertain and engage the kids. Even on a boat, kids can get bored or fidgety and will search for things to do. Plan a sightseeing scavenger hunt or other game, bring a picnic, and some fun toys. If they are old enough, you can introduce them to the joys of fishing. Tubing is a fun and easy option that can be enjoyed even at slow speeds.

-Plan ahead for snacks, food, and beverages for the kids. Hangry kids can be challenging for all while on board a boat. Food can help keep sea sickness as does, as does dramamine for more extreme cases.

-If your boat does not have a head, have a bathroom plan, so you know what to do when your kid needs to go. Have your child use the facilites just before departing the dock whenever possible.

-Ensure kids are dressed appropriately for sun, salt, and wind. Bring extra towels, changes of clothes, and lots of sunscreen. Remember, it can feel colder on a boat than on the shore. It's important to keep everyone on board comfortable!

-Bring ways to document memories. Treat kids to their own disposable camera to document the experience from their point of view. Don't forget your own camera and video-making devices. Back on land, give them a log book or "passport" to write notes and put pictures in, or put a map on the wall with pushpins of the places you have boated.

-Boating is for sharing! Bring other family members and friends or let your child invite a friend and their parents to create memories that will last a lifetime.

Boating with kids can indeed be challenging. At the end of the day, the benefits are priceless. You get to spend time together strengthening bonds, making lasting memories, visiting amazing places, and having a tremendous amount of fun. Don't be surprised if your children end up asking you to take them boating more often than you'll be asking them if they want to go!

About the Author. Casey Carmichael is the Repower and Outfitting Specialist at Boat Specialists in Ventura, CA. Casey has been been boating his entire life and was sailing before he could walk. His grandfather and father were both accomplished sailors so it was only natural for Casey to end up in the maritime industry himself. Casey is passionate about the life and benefits of boating as a family and with kids. As a father of two, Casey has learned a few things along the way regarding having children on board that he can pass on to others.