What safety features should I look for in a family boat?

Family boat safety features to prioritize: full perimeter railing or walkthrough gate with latch, non-slip deck surfaces, swim platform with boarding ladder, life jacket storage accessible from the cockpit, kill switch lanyard (engine shuts off if operator falls overboard), multiple grab handles throughout, sun shade or Bimini top for UV protection, and a first aid kit storage area. On boats with young children, a dedicated bow seating area with a closing gate is a significant safety upgrade.