Weather 4 U

Water Safety Tips at the Lake

Whether you're taking your sailboat out for a leisurely Sunday, getting the family on the boat for a day of water skiing, or just plan on a bar-b-que by the lake with some wading, the following water safety tips can help to keep your friends and family safe from injury or drowning.

Boat Safety
The first rule of boat safety is to equip every person with a life jacket. Understand and abide by the water safety laws and rules of the lake, including speed limits. Run an end-to-end equipment and engine check before you head out on the lake.

Pay attention to the weather, and if a storm is on the horizon, bring people back to shore. It's wise to bring a radio with you to stay up to date on weather reports. Equip the boat with a water safety kit that includes sunscreen, first-aid kit, map of your location, and a flashlight with extra batteries. Enclose the kit in a water-proof container that floats.

Restrict open fires to the designated campground or picnic areas. Adhere to any rules enforced regarding bringing in bar-b-ques and cooking equipment. Supervise children at all times and only allow them to wade or swim in the designated areas. Apply waterproof sunscreen with at least 15 SPF every one and a half hours and reapply immediately after being in the water. Bring plenty of water and stay hydrated throughout the day, avoiding excess drinking of alcoholic beverages.