Keeping Toddlers on the Boat and out of the wet stuff

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TheBishop

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Now that my rug rats are becoming sea pups how do you keep the little rascals safe? Youngest this season will be 6 months so no real issue there, but the other will be 18 months and well into Suicide Baby stage. I have a Trader 50 so acres of deck space forward although the aft deck is covered and has canvas sides. Any thoughts? Netting on the sidedecks?? Lifelines forward and attach the kids to them?? Only an issue when at rest obviously and flybridge is contained so no problem there. just wonder how other parents have dealt with it??
 
We have a small, but precious Dog, and use an extending dog lead attatched to a quick release clip.

It's strong enough to hold the Dogs entire weight (Various sizes available) and retracts, keeping the boat floor tidy, and easy to walk past as you just brush the flat nylon over your head, or step over it.

That might help...

Oh, and the Dog wears a flotation device too, so can be unclipped from the lead once we moor up.
 
Agreed dog lead works well in the harbour set so they can not reach the sides.

I had a double bunk with netting from ceiling to bed so it made a large play pen, ideal for locks, berthing and safe overnight.

While on the move always strapped into car baby seat, until the age of 4 well after she had grown out of the car seat but always went straight to sleep in it. /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif
 
We have a carrabina (??) which is a very strong stretchy thing with a big clip on the end - I believe yachtsmen attatch themselves to the boat with them in heavy weather.

Anyway, we attach the carribina to the boat rail or flybridge and the other end to the grandchilds life jacket and we have not lost one yet.

I always found on our Trader that the child was more in danger of launching themselves down the stairwell from the back deck to the saloon or from the saloon to below and we always had to block the stairs off.

I could never relax my guard for a minute when they were about and don't think that because your flybridge is contained that the little darlings will not try to launch themsleves over the side at some stage if not secured

May
xx
 
May,

I take your point re saloon stairs. I am having gates fitted at each, and in the forwrad portside cabin I have 2 single beds that i am having side rails fitted on to create a cot/playpen area for each child.

Good idea re some restraining device for the flybridge.

No votes for side netting then?

The Bishop
 
I spent ages on this.

First off, if you plan to stay on board any length of time, you need somewhere that you can leave the toddler without constant supervision, or else its just too tyring and you can't relax. We fitted a self closing stair gate with extensions across the patio door opening, and another one to block the entrance from the saloon through to the galley, lower helm, and internal stair. This means we can leave our son in the saloon with the patio doors open for ventilation, and he can't get into trouble.

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The flybridge and cockpit are then classed as supervised areas, where we could make it difficult, but not impossible, to escape. I put netting above the screens on the stbd side of the flybridge, where the seats are (which didn't work, see below), and an extra guard wire around the rear screen where the gap looked big enough for him to crawl through. He's allowed there when the boat is stationary, but only with someone constantly watching him. The bow, side decks and bathing platform are out of bounds completely. When underway he is always strapped into a car seat, which in turn is strapped to the upper or lower helm seat.

We don't make him wear a lifejacket on board, which may surprise some people, but we spend days or weeks at a time on the boat, and lifejackets for the very young are so bulky, especially at the front, that it just wouldn't be practical to wear one all the time. He does wear one if we go anywhere by dinghy.

So why didn't the flybridge netting work? Well, he had shown no signs of wanting to get over, and I asked SWMBO her opinion on something, and in the seconds it took her to have a look, he managed to get over the netting, and I saw his little legs dissapear over the side of the flybridge. I was over the side before he'd even hit the water, and he was back on board smiling in no time, but it was none the less scary as hell. I tell myself he was never in any real danger, as he wouldn't have been there in the first place if the boat was moving, but it shows that whatever you do, constant vigilance is still needed.
 
I use a lifejacket with integrated harness to clip jnr on (aged 2) via a safety line when in the cockpit. He then has about 1.5m of leash to play with or he goes below where there is only one way in and out. If you start them straight away on lifejackets they get used to them from day one. Down below he is free to roam (and usually switches all the fuses off for his entertainment) as it is only a 21ft'er with a lid. I am not sure about netting as it probably would only create a false sense of security for you. The trouble with 2 year olds is that they have to be watched at all times or clipped on or else they'll find the weakest link in your plan in no time at all !
 
Thanks to everyone who took the trouble to reply - I am most grateful.

Plan now seems to be:

1. Side gates on berths in forward port cabin to make them safe and secure. Used for overnight sleeping and secure holding position whilst all hands are otherwise engaged.

2. Gates at top of stairs in saloon to both forward and aft areas, and something to block access to upper stairs to aft deck. This gives a secure area to roam in, and at least the switch panel is beyond the gates so as to stop little fingers turning off the nav equipment!

3. Car seats lashed to strongpoint in saloon underway.

4. Car seats or harness lashed to strongpoint in Flybridge when underway or at anchor

5. Aft deck enclosed and so reasonably secure when door to steps to saloon is closed or blocked off. Nevertheless, be vigilant.

6. Side decks and forward deck out of bounds unless strictly supervised and/or lashed to a strongpoint.

7. Sensible use of harnesses/lifejackets..( ie when in dinghy )..I dont want to become over hovering here, so we will be practical.

Think that covers it...anything missed??

The Bishop
 
Mine is 18 months also what a nightmare. I have my boat out this year and i am re designing the flybridge to make it kid proof!!!!! I will let you know how things go and send some pictures. Everyone has took an intreast at my yard and plenty of ideas are coming in, I will keep you updated !
 
Ours is 20 mths. She wears a lifejacket from the car to the car. The only exception is down below (32' mobo). When in the cockpit underway she has a lifejacket with a line tied to a central strongpoint. Long enough to climb onto the seat, but not long enoughto allow her over. Even at this age I don't think she would put up with the car seat but they are all different. The only other rule, down below for mooring / close manouvering. Not a popular choice but she seems to be getting used to it as being new to boats my wife and I need 100% attention when getting near fixed items!
 
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