Kids Sun and UV Protection Products on Boats

Recommended products to protect your baby or kids from harmful UV rays of the hot summer sun while boating

My kids love being on the boat and we spend a lot of time out in the sun. When we are not up at our marina’s pool swimming, you can usually find us anchored out on a nearby cove for the afternoon.

With countless hours in the sun during the summer boating season and it is really hard to avoid it. We’re always worried about our young girls’ fair skin and we try very hard to avoid sunburn at all costs. Our canvas is always extended and we try to take advantage of sun and UV protection products to keep the kids protected from the sun on the boat.

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Boat, Pirate and Sea Theme Movie and TV Show DVDs for Kids

Gift ideas for favorite movies and TV Show DVDs about boating, pirates or ocean and sea life water related adventures that kids would enjoy watching

It’s always more fun on the water... especially for kids! From pirate adventures to exploring ocean and sea life, there are tons of movies and TV shows on DVD to capture the spirit of boating that kids would enjoy as gifts.   

Kids can enjoy movie classics and favorites like Finding Nemo or Little Mermaid, along with seeing favorite TV characters like Backyardigans or Jake in the Neverland Pirates in boating or sea related adventures on DVD.

Whether your kid is a boating enthusiast or your children simply enjoy water theme shows, this collection of movies and TV show DVDs is the perfect list of boat, ocean or pirate related entertainment ideas for kids.

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Sea Creature Kids Birthday Party Ideas

Create an ocean life, sea creature or boat themed kids party with these ideas for nautical party supplies, décor, cakes, water games, party favors and more

With two little boat girls getting ready to turn five and one only a few weeks apart in the summertime, we decided that having a sea creature theme birthday party was a great way to celebrate. For boaters, a sea creature theme party is a fun way to share your love of anything nautical with kids. And really what kid – regardless of their level of enthusiasm for boating - doesn’t enjoy sea creature and ocean life things in the summer?

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Kids Ear Protection for Watching Fireworks Shows on the Water

Protect your kids from hearing loss during loud fireworks displays on the Fourth of July and holiday events with noise reduction headphones, earmuffs or earplugs

Whether it is fourth of July, Labor Day weekend or another holiday or special event, watching a fireworks display light up the sky from your boat is one of the most enjoyable things to do on the water for the entire family. And luckily for boaters almost every river, lake and harbor offers spectacular fireworks shows to enjoy on the water every year.

But the loud explosion of fireworks can be both scary and harmful for young kids, especially noise-sensitive kids. We should be careful to provide proper ear protection for kids so that the holiday tradition doesn’t damage little ears... and they can continue to enjoy one of our favorite summertime traditions.

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Family Boating Safety and Cruising Tips

With a focus on boat safety and special accommodations for cruising with kids, you can make boating as a family both enjoyable and safe

Boating can be one of the most enjoyable ways to spend time together as a family. Family boating is a great way to slow down the pace of your daily life - getting back to nature, cruising to new destinations and making family memories that last a lifetime.

Of course boat safety should be at the forefront of all family boating activities. The number one concern for families with kids on a boat – especially young kids – is to keep them safe around water. Whether at the dock, anchored out or going on a cruise, you want to make sure they are comfortable and safe on the water and on a boat.

If you are new to having kids on-board or new to boating as a family, here are some family boating tips to keep everyone safe and ensure comfortable cruising adventures on the water.

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Best Boat and Water Theme Books for Kids

Share your love of boating with these kid's boating themed books that are perfect gifts to inspire young boaters

Boat themed books teach kids to love the water and boating

Reading books about boating makes boating even more fun for kids... while helping them appreciate the ocean, sea and waterways... AND teaching them about water safety. From children's books about pirates to ocean and sea adventure kid's books, there are a lot of great boat themed books for kids.

Whether you are looking for a book on boating for your own child or a gift for a special young boater, these boat and water themed children's books are great choices for kids that love boating and the water.

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Teaching Kids How to Fish while Boating

National Fishing and Boating Week is the perfect time to teach young boys and girls all about how to enjoy the sport of fishing while spending family time on a boat

If you are an avid boater then chances are your kids are just as fanatical about the boating lifestyle. Spending time on the water enjoying nature is a great family activity to share. There is always something new and fun to show young kids on the water, and the sport of fishing is a great way to enjoy boating with kids even more.

Seeing a young kid catch their first big fish is exciting for both kids and adults. And it’s just one more reason why your kids will learn to love the boating lifestyle and make it a lifelong passion.

In honor of National Fishing and Boating Week - June 4-12, 2011- take the opportunity to teach your kids how to fish and enjoy the art of reeling in the big one. Fishing can be a great way to teach kids about wildlife and nature while building patience and agility.

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Boat Safety Rules for Kids and Adults on the Water

Most state laws and regulations require boater licenses and safe boating courses to ensure both kids and adults practice safe and responsible boating

Boating is all about relaxing and enjoying yourself on the water with family and friends. But those fun times can turn tragic when boaters engage in irresponsible behavior or just lack an appropriate level of boating expertise. The rules of the water must be taken seriously.

In the past, anyone could operate a boat regardless of their age, boater education or experience. However, in recent years there have been many changes to boat safety rules for both kids and adults across the U.S. and Canada in an effort to help reduce boating accidents and ensure safer boating practices.

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Maryland Kids Life Jacket Laws Boating

MD Regulations for kids wearing a life jacket – age and life jacket type requirements for kids on boats

Life jacket laws in Maryland for infants, toddlers and kids while boating has gotten stricter in recent years to protect children on Maryland’s many waterways.

The Maryland Department of Natural Resources has developed specific state laws for kids wearing life vests while boating. Although there are federal life vest requirements, they do not supersede state laws. Not following MD life jacket age and type (i.e. U.S. Coast Guard approved) requirements could lead to fines (penalties for the first offense are $500) and risk children’s safety while boating.

According to the state of Maryland, the state averages 12 boating fatalities a year. In 2009 there were 17 boating related deaths and 16 of the victims were not wearing life jackets or vests.

Here are the specific life jacket regulations and laws for kids boating in Maryland.

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Toddler Life Jackets Best for Boating and Water Safety

Choose the best Coast Guard approved toddler life jackets to keep young kids safe near the water or on a boat

Toddler life jackets should be worn
while boating or on the water.

Hands down, the best way to keep toddlers and young kids safe on the water is to always use a life jacket. Hopefully parents have already started reinforcing water safety at an early age by using an infant life jacket for their baby, but its even more important as a toddler gains independence.

All too often I see toddlers walking down a boat dock with no life jacket. It is scary to see because a busy toddler could easily wander off the edge of a dock, or lean over the edge of a boat unexpectedly. Although some toddlers may already be learning basic swimming moves, they are unlikely to be able to keep their head above the water if they fall into deep water. Its an even scarier thought with murky river or bay water.

Toddler life jackets should be worn as a precaution anytime a toddler is near water or on a boat to ensure safety and piece of mind.

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Sterns Kids Puddle Jumper Life Jackets Review

Toddlers and kids learn to swim faster with Coast Guard approved Puddle Jumper Life Jackets

The Sterns Puddle Jumper Life Jacket

is Coast Guard approved and gives

kids the confidence to quickly learn

how to swim.

Our almost three year old daughter is practically doing laps in the pool this summer thanks to her Stearns Kids Puddle Jumper Life Jacket. It is one of the best ways for young kids and toddlers to quickly learn how to swim.

The puddle jumper design combines the security of "floaties" or "swimmie" arms with a floatation pad that goes across the chest and attaches to the floatation arms. They are fastened in the back with a secure clasp.

Because Puddle Jumper Jackets are Coast Guard approved, they are great for young kids learning to swim in the pool, on the lake, in the river or out on a boat.

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Boating with a Baby or Infant

Is it safe to take an infant on a boat?

Some people are very nervous about taking a baby on a boat. For active boaters (myself included), having an infant baby should not stop you from boating.

In fact, it is almost easier to boat with a baby then it is to boat with young toddlers that are climbing and running around. And if you have a boat that you sleep on, there is nothing better than the gentle rocking of a boat to help a baby sleep.

With proper safety precautions, there is no reason why you can’t continue boating with a baby.

The U.S. Coast Guard’s Office of Boating Safety states that an infant should not travel on a boat until they weigh at least 18 pounds and can wear a personal floatation device (PFD).

Most babies hit that weight between 4 and 11 months old. However, I have found several infant life jackets that fit very well – intended for under 30 lbs. An infant PFD has a built in “heads up” cushion with a loop handle at the top, along with a strap that goes between the legs (to keep the jacket from sliding up). Infant life jackets are intended to fit snug and do a great job of raising the infant's head out of the water. To feel extra safe about how they work, you can practice holding the baby in a pool while wearing the infant life jacket...

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