How to explain safety drill to children?

[peg2001]

Cruising in January, I tried to explain and prepare my DD6 and DD2 for the safety drill. I tried to equate it to the fire drills they have at school where there is a loud alarm and all the children practice what they would do in case of a fire. I described that we would each put on a lifevest and walk to our assigned area where they would talk to us about what to do. DD6 kept asking why we would have to wear the lifevests so I explained that if there was a fire on the ship, there was no "outside" to escape to so we would be put on little boats and the lifevests were for extra safety.

I think I blew it. . .too much detail?!? DD6 seemed quite apprehensive after our little talk. DD2 was oblivious.

Peggy

 

[disvaclub92]

I have DD7 and DD5. They currently take swimming lessons and during the swimming lessons they provided safety lessons. This is when they have to wear the lifevest.

That helped the girls understand better. But, of course, the lifevest is not like the one that they use for swimming. So they were not happy campers and it was hot. So best of luck to you.

 

[wovenwonder]

I have pics on my website (linked below) of my family decked in their rather fashionable life jackets if you'd like to show your children what they look like.

 

[magyar2]

Unbeknownst to me, my daughter last year (her first cruise at age 6) was terrified at the lifeboat drill. You are made to stand in line with your family, tallest to shortest, child in the front. I did not see my youngest's face, and apparently she was in tears because she thought we were going to have to jump off the boat into the lifeboats for real (my children follow all directions that are not given by their parents , and therefore she was too scared of the consequences if she were to have turned around and come to me to let me know her fear)!

Now previously I had told my girls what was involved, but somewhere along the line I guess I did not stress enough that they were not actually going to be jumping into the life boat at that time! So, I would suggest letting your children know that if at any point they have a question or are frightened, to TURN AROUND and tell you so that you can reassure them. Because even if you tell them everything ahead of time, the actual process of the drill, and especially when they blast the emergency horn, may still scare them.

Good luck!

 

[mcnuss]

You are made to stand in line with your family, tallest to shortest, child in the front

We did not have to do this. I wonder why you did? Anyone know?

 

[SC Minnie]

We did when our muster station was on the deck outsise we did not when it was in Animators Palate. Standing tallest to shortest- tallest in back- the CM can see everybody and get an accurate count.

 

[hydster]

and our 3 year old was at the front and he HATED the sun being in his eyes and he kept turning around during the drill and crying out a little bit about it all. After about the first 10 min he went back to my husband completely upset and they let my husband hold him (no easy feat with those suckers on) but he was ok. The actual drill didnt scare him but the sun burned his eyes. Also the CM who was in front of us did a GREAT job keeping him entertained until the sun came out of a cloud and then it was horrid! My other 2 children 7 and 9 did fine with it and it was relatively quick (the fastest my hubby and I have ever had on a cruise line) and then we promised them if they were good we would get some ice cream and that sealed the deal! LOL
I would just prep them about how IF something were to happen which it WONT (I know maybe wrong but my dd is VERY emotional and if she thought we could be the next Titanic she would have freaked) and tell your oldest it is just something we have to do and everyone has to do it and it is a good safety thing so if you need to you will know where to go. Just try to not make a big deal out of it and it will be over before you all know it. The cm's all around us did a GREAT job and once they got our cabin number and stuff they didnt seem to care that the 3 yr old was in daddy's arms!
Heidi

 

[peg2001]

Thank you very much for the replies. I appreciate hearing how it went for your children and thank you for the link to the pictures showing your family wearing the lifevests!

Peggy

 

[kajohn]

I have worn the life vest on previous drills and they are indeed uncomfortable, (but I'm sure very effective in actual use!). How are the little ones vests? My children are 5, 7, and 9. Are they appropriately sized for them? Are the correct sizes in your stateroom?

Thanks for the original post, this is something I never even thought of talking to them about.

On a side note, funny story here:

My almost 5 year old told me he didn't want to snorkel while on our cruise, we had aready bought the gear. When I asked why he said that he didn't know how he would get back on the boat. In his mind he thought he had to jump off the boat to go snorkeling, and that he wouldn't be able to climb back on! So you never know how kids think about things!!!

 

[Bob Noble]

On our 11/9 estern sailing ( the last before the Norwalk crisis) we had to stand tallest to shortest. We are a family of 5 and DW is the tallest so she hated that Our kids are a bit older, 14, 10 and 9 so there were no scared issues, but I did discuss it well in advance. I come from a Mercant Marines background and have personnally been through serveral life boat drills where we lower the boats to the water line and release them for practice. In any case make a game of it with you younger troops, Your life jackets will have a big letter indicating the station you need to go to. You will be directed by CM's so no need to worry, but tell them its a game of find the right life boat. Also show them the whistle on a string attached to each and let them try it out That should prove for a few fun moments. Fortunately we had station P and we were in the shade. As someone else pointed out, bring your camera and after they take the head count ask one of the CM's to snap your family pic. Its just one of the "Magic Moments" you will have through out the week. The jackets come in two sizes adult and child, neither are fashionable or comfortable if it is hot, but remember that is not their purpose. We only had four jackets in our cat 4 stateroom. If it happens to you, no worrys just go to the station ( actually the person that does not haveone lucks out for th drill) Tell the CM at you station and one will magically show up. Also show your kids the neat light attached to each jacket that automatically starts blinking when in contact with water. As you stand there waiting for the drill to be complete point out the many rubber rafts that are consealed in white barrels storred along the life boat deck. I liken these to depth charges from the PT boat days of WWII, (not that old just liked the movies) They are catapult launched in an emergency and turn into a fully inclosed circus tent looking raft complete with provisions. My 14yr old got a kick out of that.

Have a blast

 

[perdidobay]

Thanks Bob, I've done 2 DCL drills and learned some things
Our muster station both times was Animators P, so we just sat both times ( peeking under the table cloths to see the dishes)!