Having fun in the great outdoors is easy, but making sure you stay safe while doing so takes a bit more attention.
Not many years ago, I would take on summer fun with more reckless abandon. But over time I’ve learned from a few mistakes and survived some close scrapes. I can offer some guidance for those who would rather not learn by trial and error.
Sunscreen, a must-have item anytime you are going to experience hours of exposure, is particularly important when you’re in highly reflective water. Reapplying is also important when the first coat washes away or gets sweated off.
Whether I’m fishing, hiking, or golfing in the sunshine, I pride myself on wearing the most ridiculous floppy hat in my group. Sunglasses are as helpful for eye protection as they are in cutting down glare, allowing vision through the water.
Fair-skinned and freckled, I am certainly more susceptible to sunburn, but I know plenty of dark-complected people who turned a day on the water into a rock lobster imitation.
Drink plenty of water and limit alcohol intake when out on hot summer days. Cold drinks and boating seem like a perfect combination, but operating a watercraft while intoxicated is dangerous and illegal. When the temperatures soar and the humidity soaks your shirt with sweat, you almost can’t rehydrate enough. Snacks like watermelon, cantaloupe, grapes, and tomatoes provide added fluid for your diet. Don’t wait until you feel thirsty.
Wade fishing is my favorite summer outdoor activity, but rivers and lakes can be dangerous places when you step off the shore and into the water. The bottom surface is never consistent, and can change rapidly. Current can be sneaky strong just a few paces away from where you seem to be standing on firm ground.
Clear river water often affords a view to the bottom surface, but the depth can change by feet, not inches, in an instant. Even if you’re a strong swimmer, swift water that is over your head can make reaching the shore challenging, especially while trying to hold a fishing rod and reel above the water while you kick and pull with your free arm.
On a boat, personal flotation devices are required, but wearing them is considered optional for adults. Anytime the “big motor” is providing power, wearing your life jacket should be an individual mandate.
When you’re out on the water or in woods this time of year, you’ll need a shower before the end of the day anyway, so be sure to liberally apply insect repellant, especially on your shoes and socks, to fend off chiggers, ticks and mosquitoes. Those pests can leave reminders of your outing for days, weeks, or even longer in some cases.
Last but not least is caution on outdoor burning. Campfires are a staple of a great summertime outing, but the potential danger extends well beyond the fire pit. Getting too close to the flames is an obvious concern, but keeping that fire contained during dry conditions is important to the woods we enjoy.
Campgrounds usually have fabricated fireplaces, but when preparing a new outdoor burn site, be sure to clear a wide area around it. Never use gasoline or other flammable liquids to stoke or start a fire. Keep fire-extinguishing options like a bucket of water close by, and always put the fire completely out at night before heading to the tent or camper.
Fireworks are fun for community displays, but are too dangerous for outdoor natural sites, especially in dry conditions. Most public camping areas prohibit fireworks.
Enjoy the great outdoors, but remember to do it safely.
John Winkelman is Marketing Director for Liguori Publications near Barnhart, Mo., and Associate Editor for Outdoor Guide Magazine. If you have story ideas to share for the Leader outdoor news page, e-mail ogmjohnw@aol.com, and you can find more outdoor news and updates at johnjwink.com.
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