Teaching your kids boating etiquette is one of the best gifts you can give them, and Destin is the perfect water-classroom. Filled to the brim with local experts and captains, oftentimes all rolled into one, this fun-filled trip can teach your children valuable lessons about culture on the water. Teach responsibility, safety, and respect for the ocean young.
Hop aboard while we explore the valuable basics of boating etiquette.
Right of Way Rules on the Water
Just like rules of the road, there are also rules of the water. Boats follow “right of way” laws to keep everything moving safely. Search “rules of the road for boats” for more information. The rules for boats are complicated, heavily relying on what kind of boats are operating, including motorized versus unmotorized, commercial vessels, and more. No doubt, there is a specific side and order to boating, even among what appears like a random cross-hatch of vessels on the water.
Pretend you’re watching from the deck of the Island Runner, cruising along on our Crab Island shuttle. You’ll notice that the captains are constantly scanning their surroundings. Boats coming from the right would typically have the right-of-way, while powerboats must yield to sailboats. Vessels that are restricted in their movement, such as large touring boats and commercial charter vessels, have the right-of-way.
Try turning this into a game with your children. Have them guess which vessel is to yield. Captains communicate with slow movements, horns, and hand waves. This is an excellent lesson on teamwork, communication, and respect on the water for your child.
Anchoring Etiquette Around Popular Spots
Destin’s Crab Island has been subject to much praise throughout the years. This floating hangout is the place for families to gather, relax, swim, and soak up the gorgeous sunshine. However, this party still has unspoken expectations of courtesy.
It is standard that, when anchoring, you must keep a respectful distance from other boats. This is not an exact numerical distance. It is usually decided based on how far other boats are anchored away from each other or how many total boats are in the water. The absolute rule of thumb is that, with the ebb and flow of the current, make sure your boat does not bump hulls with another.
If you navigate yourself to Crab Island, make sure your boat is securely anchored before diving in. If you ride in through our Crab Island cruise, your captain will take care of this for you. Make sure your kiddos listen to the captain. This could be a valuable lesson in putting safety before the fun.
Environmental Responsibility and Protection
While stunning, Destin’s water hosts a delicate ecosystem. Boating etiquette extends beyond thinking of others but also into caring for the environment. Have your children become designated “trash spotters.” Too many adults become desensitized to the appearance of trash in the water. Have your children become in tune with the environment, not passersby on top. In a similar vein, Destin’s waterways are teeming with wildlife. Just like keeping trash out of the water, you should also maintain a respectful distance from the wildlife. Professional dolphin tours follow strict guidelines in their interactions with wildlife. Take a page from the professional’s book and never chase or feed the wildlife.
Wildlife, big and small, Destin’s got it all, and as an enjoyer of Destin’s beauty, you hold a responsibility of mindfulness to all. Inside the wavy seagrass, there are tiny fish, crustaceans, and shellfish, so check the ground you plan to anchor on before dropping the chain. Dragging an anchor across vegetated seafloors can cause irreparable damage. Also, use reef-safe sunscreen, secure light objects so they don’t blow away, and keep fuel caps screwed on tight. These are all easy but meaningful choices. A step towards mindfulness goes beyond the action itself. Actions turning to habits create waves in effect. Especially in children, learning to be a conscious participant in the environment will save the ocean a lifetime of harm and foster a deep respect for the natural world. Consider booking the Crab Island Runner for your boat ride. Not only does it open a world of opportunities and save you the hassle of hauling a boat, but Crab Island Runner maintains eco-conscious practices at an affordable price, making for a perfect learning experience for families.
Noise Considerations and Respectful Behavior
One man’s party is another man’s relaxing escape. This is the very essence of Destin’s waters. While having something for everybody, this also means it is your responsibility to consider the impact you have on another’s experience. Keep your noise in check and maintain respectful behavior. While Destin does have a quiet hour ordinance from 10 PM to 7 AM, during the day, you should be mindful of the people around you. Sound carries on the water much further than you think. Across Destin waters, you can usually hear a boat’s music stretch by as they pass, but like you should too, let that music extend just as you enter each other’s space and then quickly dissipate with distance. If you are anchored near other boats, intuitively check that your music matches the volume of others.
Respectful behavior is equally important. This includes preventative measures like watching your children to ensure they are not splashing others and not letting them swim too far from your vessel. While it might be nice to have a play date with other children, don’t let that playdate turn into another family providing childcare. This can become both a concern in courtesy and liability.
Teaching your children boating safety and etiquette is a valuable skill. There’s plenty of time to have fun in the sun. However, a lesson in mindfulness, communication, and attention is vital in boating and beyond.
Local Regulations and Guidelines
Okaloosa County maintains several regulations designed to protect boaters and the environment. Instilled are “no-wake” zones near common bridges, marinas, and areas where wildlife and swimmers gather. A “no-wake” zone is an area where you decrease the speed of your boat heavily to minimize waves. Remember, there is a police presence on any water. Florida boating education requirements apply to anyone operating a boat, jet ski, or certain rental vessels.
Specific regulations for commercial tour boats are instilled to hold Destin to the utmost safety standards. Crab Island Runner operates a U.S. Coast Guard-certified vessel with licensed captains and crew members trained in CPR and water safety. Inspection rules, mandatory safety briefings, strict passenger limits, and routine inspections keep your rides on the water safe.
Wrap-Up: Get on the Water
Respect, mindfulness, and safety are vital concepts for the education of your child, and can be learned right here on the Destin waters. For a better tomorrow, teach your child, or be taught yourself, all the wonderful ways that we can foster a better experience for boating. Education has no age limit and the water is for everyone. When we all make an effort, whether it be for the ecosystem, for each other, or for ourselves in safety, we are serving the continuity of the very experiences we cherish. Consider booking our Crab Island tours to experience everything Destin has to offer. For all who are willing to learn, Destin has a place for you.
