That isn't a cut and dry situation. If you haven't had a boat before, it is fun to think of riding on the bow, smiling in the breeze... there are boats made for that - the Ranger Tug and similar cabin type boats are are not. It is one thing to go forward to work with the anchor and quite another to do so when underway.
As far as "can a kid walk on the side of the boat..." - that depends on the kid and the parent. Would you let your child climb a ladder and get up on the roof of your house unsupervised? Ride in the car while sitting half out the window, holding on to the roof? The side rails of any boat, especially while under power, can be just as potentially dangerous.
That said, as a child demonstrates ability and desire, they can be a good hand on a family boat... when properly taught and with a a full understanding of what can happen. Water can be rough, side decks can get wet and slippery, boats can make abrupt moves.
The answer to this question is: it depends - mostly on why the kid would be on the side deck and what they intend to do when going forward. In many states, "bow riding" when the boat is underway is not legal (unless the boat has appropriate seating), and it is not legal or smart to let a kid sit on the bow with their legs dangling over the side or front while holding on to the railing. One slip and the prop could cut them to pieces.
Once the boat is at anchor, it is a different story. Tell us a bit more about how and why you intend to have the kids go forward.
I have driven commercial boats, including a rescue boat. Maybe that makes me overly cautious. Boating with a family can be wonderful, but the parents have to be aware of what can happen and set limits for the kids.
Jim
