Safety Tips for Lake Lovers

Ahh... the lure of the lake... its sparkling blue water... the refreshing coolness as it splashes over your skin on a hot summer's day. There's nothing quite like it, and with so many ways in which to enjoy spending time there, it's no wonder millions flock to their local lakes each year.

While the desire for fun and relaxation may be everyone's draw to the lake, it's important that sun and water safety be first and foremost on every lake lover's mind. With so many types of lake activities, there are equally just as many ways that accidents can occur. The following safety tips will help to ensure that you and your loved ones have positive lake memories and not negative or even tragic ones.

1.) Sun Protection – It may sound simple, but nothing ruins a day at the lake like a painful sunburn, and with incidents of skin cancer ever rising sun protection should not be taken lightly. To help prevent sunburns, sun damage, premature aging, and skin cancer, you and your family should not rely on sunscreen alone. Choose a good quality waterproof sunscreen with an SPF of 15 or higher. Reapply it every two hours as recommended on the label and after swimming, sweating, or drying off with a towel. Wear a lightweight shirt with sleeves, a wide brimmed hat, and sunglasses for further protection. Even the eyes and scalp can get sun burnt. Drink plenty of water to avoid dehydration. Your body will not stay hydrated just by being in the water. Furthermore, avoid the sun if at all possible between the hours of 10 am and 4 pm, when the harmful effects of the sun are strongest.

2.) Swim Safely – Learn to swim and ensure that all of your family members know how to swim. If you or your loved ones don't know how to swim, contact your local American Red Cross chapter and enroll in a swim course. Choose a clean, well-maintained, supervised area. An area with a lifeguard is even better. Any swimmer, even good ones, can have an unexpected emergency in the water. Never swim alone. Stay clear of areas with murky water, drop-offs, and underwater plant life as these can be dangerous. Avoid diving. Enter the water feet first. It's much safer.

3.) Boating and Personal Watercraft – An outing on a boat or the use of personal watercraft such as jet skis can be very rewarding. They can also be very dangerous if basic safety rules aren't followed. Before operating any boat or watercraft, make sure you know your local laws and regulations on operating them and obey them. The driver and any others on board should wear coast guard-approved life jackets that are in good repair. Be extremely cautious around swimmers, other boats and watercraft, and others in the water. Operate at a low speed until you are in the open water away from swimming areas and docks. No horseplay! Do not pass close to other boats or watercraft and do not jump wakes. Not only is this behavior dangerous, it is usually illegal.

In addition to the guidelines set forth above, never mix swimming or boat/watercraft operation with the use of alcohol. A little common sense along with the desire to keep yourself and your family safe will go a long way to ensuring your lake activities create pleasant memories you'll cherish for a lifetime.

Jason Collmorgen operates an informational guide to Branson, MO. For more information visit: SelectBranson.com