Summer is finally here and that means one thing: water sports! Swimming, boating, canoeing, fishing- they’re all a blast. But before you head out onto the open water, it’s important to know how to stay safe. Here are some tips for staying safe while enjoying your favorite water sports.
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Know-How to Swim
Before engaging in any water sports activity. If you’re not a strong swimmer, consider taking a swimming lesson or two before venturing out into the water. It could save your life. Drowning is a big risk in any type of water sport. Your kayak or canoe can easily flip over and you will want to know how to swim if that ever happens
Wear a Life Jacket
This is non-negotiable, especially if you’re not a strong swimmer and even if you are an experienced swimmer. A life jacket will help keep you afloat should you find yourself in water over your head. Make sure the life jacket fits properly and that it’s comfortable to wear. You don’t want it to impede your movement while you’re enjoying your water sport. Also, make sure it fits snugly around your body
Check the Weather Forecast
Before heading out onto the water, always check the weather forecast. If thunderstorms are in the forecast, it’s best to stay onshore. High winds can create waves that can swamp a small boat and strong rains can reduce visibility making it hard to see obstacles in your path.
Have a Partner
Whenever possible, water sports are more fun with a partner and it’s also safer. If you’re boating, make sure someone knows where you’re going and when you’ll be back.
Plan for Emergency
It’s always best to be prepared for the worst. If you’re boating, make sure you have a first-aid kit and a working radio onboard. If you’re swimming, make sure someone on shore knows where you are and when you’ll be back. If you do get lost at sea have a way to call for help.
Wear Sunscreen
This may seem like a no-brainer but it’s important to protect your skin from the sun’s harmful rays. Wear sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30 and reapply it every two hours, or more often if you’re swimming or sweating.
Follow Boating Rules and Regulations
If you’re going boating, make sure you follow all the rules and regulations. This includes taking a boating safety course if you’re operating a motorized vessel. You’ll also want to be familiar with the waterway you’ll be boating on, such as any no-wake zones. Boaters must always yield to swimmers and paddlers.
Be Aware of Your Surroundings
In any water sport, it’s important to be aware of your surroundings. This means being familiar with the water you’re in, paying attention to other people and boats around you, and knowing what to do if an emergency situation arises. By being aware of your surroundings, you can stay safe while enjoying your water
Avoid Alcohol
Alcohol and water sports do not mix. Alcohol will impair your judgment and reaction time, making it more likely that you’ll have an accident. If you’re going to be boating, canoeing, kayaking, swimming, or any other water sports, save the alcohol for after your activities.
Swimming Safety
Swimming is a great way to cool off on a hot day but it’s important to be aware of the dangers. Drowning is the second leading cause of death in children under the age of 14 and it’s important to take precautions to prevent it.
- When swimming in open water, such as a lake or ocean, always swim with a buddy. This way someone will be there to help if you get in trouble.
- Swim in designated areas that are supervised by lifeguards. If there are no lifeguards on duty, make sure you swim with a partner and stay close to shore.
- Be aware of the water conditions before swimming. If the water is rough, has a strong current, or is murky, it’s best to stay onshore.
- Don’t dive into unknown water. You could hit your head on a hidden object and sustain a serious injury.
- Learn basic emergency skills like CPR. You never know when you might need to use them.
- Wear brightly colored swimwear so you can be easily seen by others.
Boating Safety
Boating is a great way to enjoy the water but it’s important to be aware of the dangers. Every year, there are thousands of boating accidents and many of them could have been prevented if the boaters had taken proper safety precautions.
Here are some tips to help you stay safe while boating:
- Wear a life jacket. It may seem like a pain to wear one but it could save your life if you end up in the water.
- Check the weather forecast before heading out. If thunderstorms are in the forecast, it’s best to stay onshore.
- Make sure someone knows where you’re going and when you’ll be back. This way, if you don’t return when expected, they can call for help.
- Be familiar with the waterway you’ll be boating on. This includes knowing where the no-wake zones are.
- Keep an eye on your fuel level and make sure you have enough to get back to shore.
- Avoid alcohol while boating.
Other Water Sports Safety Tips
Here are a few other water sports safety tips to keep in mind:
- Stand-up paddleboarding is a great workout but it can be dangerous if you’re not familiar with the water conditions. Make sure you know how to swim and that you have a life jacket before heading out.
- If you’re going canoeing or kayaking, make sure you’re familiar with the water conditions and that you have the proper safety equipment.
- Waterskiing and wakeboarding are great fun but they can be dangerous if you don’t take proper precautions. Make sure you wear a life jacket and that someone else is aware of your whereabouts in case you need help. Also, protect your head and wear a helmet if possible.
- When wake surfing or skiing make sure your tow rope is strong enough to pull you and is not in bad conditions
Conclusion
With a little bit of knowledge and preparation, you can enjoy water sports while staying safe. Be sure to follow the safety tips outlined above and always use common sense. If you’re not sure about something, ask a lifeguard or someone else who is familiar with the area. And always remember, safety first!
Have fun and stay safe! water sports are a great way to enjoy the summer but it’s important to be aware of the dangers. By following a few simple safety tips, you can have a great time while staying safe. So get out there and enjoy the water! Just be sure to stay safe!