Given summertime is literally right around the corner, what plans do you have in place to make it a summer you won’t forget anytime soon?
While there are myriad of options out there, hitting the waterways is always one of the more popular choices for many Americans.
With that being the case, will it be some deep sea fishing, a quiet boat ride on the lake (perhaps some fishing there too), rogue river rafting wilderness trips or just kicking back and dipping your feet in the ocean or a local creek on a very hot summer afternoon?
Hit the Water and Remember Your Safety Needs
No matter what your course of fun is in the water this summer, there are a number of factors that you should always have in the back of your mind.
These include:
- Safety – Above all else, practicing safety in any water (levels do not matter) is imperative. It is all too tragic to turn on the television, go to the Internet, or pick up a newspaper and read about people being seriously injured in the water or even dying. Whether it is through boating accidents, getting slammed by an unexpected wave or even having a little too much to drink and then venturing into the water, the results can be deadly. Any plans you have for significant water activity this summer (or anytime for that matter) should involve reviewing water safety measures. While they may seem a tad cumbersome at times, they could end up saving your life or another person or persons nearby;
- Knowledge – If you’re planning a little bit more adventurous time out on the water this year, know the standard rules and regulations before venturing in. Whether you have a boating trip, rafting adventure, swimming day or something else planned, prepare yourself for any and all possibilities. Always keep in mind that water conditions can change at a moment’s notice, so be prepared on how to handle such changes. Whether it is from storms or other such events, events in the water are typically never the same from one day to the next. Get the lay of the land where you plan to be enjoying water activities this summer, allowing you to be prepared as much as possible before you set foot in the water;
- Businesses – In the event you are going on a boating venture, river rafting expedition or any number of other water-related activities, knowing who is behind such trips is important. For example, if you plan on doing some river rafting, will you be using your own equipment and/or being your own tour guide? If the answer is no to one or both, be sure to vet those you will be dealing with. Check to see how long the company has been in business, if they’ve had any issues with the Better Business Bureau (BBB), do they have repeat customers coming back again and again etc. These are but a few of the items of importance when turning to others to help provide your water experience;
- Socializing – If you’ve been shy to use social media in the past, turning to it now for your summertime adventures is a good idea. Many businesses behind summertime fun are rather easy to find on sites such as Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and more. You can view their social sites to learn more about their history, what they specialize in, how they treat customers and so much more. The last item is especially important; given you no doubt want good customer service with the brand you opt for. You may also find yourself in a good spot to earn discounts and other deals by following them on one or more of their social media accounts.
With all the fun that summertime has to offer, there are myriad of opportunities for you and/or your family and friends to go have some fun.
That said be sure you do it safely and make sure you know your surroundings as much as possible.
Having the summer of your life is great….especially when you get through it without any injuries and any bad memories to carry for years to come.
