Seattle Houseboats: Children on Floating Homes & Safety

By Courtney Cooper, Realtor, Cooper Jacobs Real Estate, courtney@cooperjacobs.com, 206-850-8841, on February 23rd, 2010%

Seattle Houseboats: Children on Floating Homes: How do you raise children on a floating home? I have asked this question quite a bit and it is always interesting to get the various answers, but I would love to hear your top ten tips for living on a houseboat with a child.

Children and boating: My in laws have a sailboat they sail around the Sound and all the docks at the marinas we stop in and see them at require children to wear a life jacket just to walk on the dock. I agree with this policy.

Children on floating home docks around Lake Union and Portage Bay: I know some of the policies around the docks for kids and pets, but always wonder how some of the various Seattle houseboats co-ops cover themselves for just this thing. I asked that question yesterday while previewing a brand new Eastlake floating home on the market (which is very cool by the way). My question to one of the houseboat neighbors was what is your child policy? He looked at me funny because of course that was a wacko way to word the question, but he smiled and said: “Parents.” Perfect answer.

Floating home child safety for houseboats: What do some of the parents do to keep their children safe around the docks when you live in a floating home lifestyle? I know of one family who keeps life jackets on hooks at every door. It is just a way of life. Other answers I have gotten over the years: Of course they get swim lessons early as well. Special railings on decks to keep toys, etc. from rolling off. What great solution have you come up with to keep your child safe while living life afloat in one of the very best Seattle waterfront lifestyles? Let us know! homes@seattleafloat.com