Life Aboard: Start ‘em Young

Bob Arrington dives into the science that shows why children who grow up on the water do better in life.

I’ve noticed a pattern in children who grow up near the water; they tend to have a greater sense of confidence and an inner sense of -direction. Living along the water seems to have an effect on children’s development that carries into their adult lives.

As a boating and diving instructor, I’ve had the pleasure of watching children gain confidence in the water skills they’ve learned. Following many of these children into their adult lives, I’ve personally seen how these experiences have shaped them. It’s a concept that appears to cross all geographical and socioeconomic lines, whether it’s the lakes of Michigan, the bayous of Louisiana, the sounds of North Carolina or the harbors of New England.

According to research recently published in the Journal of Environmental Psychology, evidence shows that childhood exposure to what the researchers are calling “blue spaces”—rivers, lakes and coasts, is linked to an increased sense of well-being as an adult. It literally changes people’s perception of how they see the world and their place in it. Valeria Vitali, the study’s lead author, has shown that people who have access to the water as children are more likely to spend their recreational time in “blue spaces” as adults, with significant “positive consequences for wellbeing.”

Wrightsville Beach, North Carolina is one of our favorite coastal villages on the Eastern Seaboard. The anchorage in Bank’s Channel, just inside Masonboro Inlet is just about perfect, with clear blue water, fresh sea breezes and easy access to amenities. We’ve spent enough time there to make a few observations—the barrier islands are full of families, not just vacationing, but year-round residents. Local children go to the elementary school on Harbor Island. Their lives are interwoven into the world of water surrounding them.

Young boys and a surprisingly large number of young girls are out in their small center consoles, rafted together at the beach or anchored up in a quiet back bay. These children are gaining an understanding and appreciation for blue spaces, beyond what any science class could possibly teach. In a world of helicopter parenting, it’s refreshing to see adolescents being given the freedom to practice responsibility on their own.

Additional research shows that life on the water offers young people valuable opportunities to practice self-control and become more self-reliant and encourages good decision-making. The skills learned in boating help children weigh the pros and cons of decisions and make more thoughtful choices. This can help them make better decisions and avoid impulsive or risky behavior.

The studies published in the Journal of Educational Psychology also note that children who practice self-control are better able to cope with stress and setbacks and are less likely to give up in the face of challenges. This can help them develop greater resilience and persistence over time. Overall, encouraging children to practice self-control in a natural environment provides benefits for their development and wellbeing.

The benefits of living near the water, are also not dependent on the affordability of living in a community like Wrightsville Beach. Spending time in remote places with no commercial luxuries reveals much about human nature and the sources of happiness. I’ve spent time in some of the most remote islands of the South Pacific, where there are few modern conveniences, little store-bought food, and only collected rainwater to drink, yet the people are happy and healthy. Every day they’re on the beach and in the water.

Vitali states: “We are aware that people are becoming increasingly detached from the natural world, due to technological distractions and indoor lifestyles.” She adds, “This is particularly relevant for children that may lose the ability to understand and care for the natural world, and consequently benefit from it.” From my experiences, the most ardent protectors of blue spaces are those with childhood memories spent in them.

I realize not everyone can grow up on the water, but this research seems to show that any exposure children have to the watery world will gain a lifelong benefit. If we want our blue spaces cared for, helping to teach a child to swim, fish or just taking them for a boat ride will go a long way towards protecting the life aquatic that we treasure.

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This article originally appeared in the June 2023 issue of Power & Motoryacht magazine.

Source: https://www.powerandmotoryacht.com/column/life-aboard-start-em-young