Photo by CC user visitstpeteclearwater on Flickr
If you’re in the mood for some summer time fun, you don’t have much longer to wait.
With the start of summer just around the corner, millions of people in the U.S. and elsewhere will be taking to the water, traveling up into the mountains, visiting with families and much more over the next couple of months.
Whether your summer plans include time in the water, some biking or hiking, some sightseeing trips, or a host of other activities, be sure to keep your adventures as safe as can be.
So, are you ready to pump up your summer time fun?
Where Will Summer Take You and Yours?
When it comes to enjoying all that summertime has to offer, see if these plans are on your slate:
-
- Oceans, lakes, rivers and more – If you love cooling off from those really hot summer days, what better place to do it in than somewhere that offers water? Whether you opt for the ocean, a river, a lake or countless other watering holes, do it with the right equipment (if doing more than just a casual swim) and practice safety at all times. If surfing is your thing, make sure you not only have the right equipment, but that you respect each and every other surfer in and out of the water. For those with an itch for paddle boarding, you can look to something like the Bestway Hydroforce to get you pumped up. Having a paddle board that can deflate quickly to make traveling from locale to locale easier is the way to go. For those into some deep sea fishing, make sure you not only have the boat well-stocked with fishing gear, but also plenty of drinking water and safety gear (first-aid). It has happened on all too many occasions that fishermen have gotten far out in the ocean, only to run into bad storms, especially in the summertime hurricane season. Also make sure your communications gear is in good working order. Maybe you want to stick to lakes and rivers to avoid any potential Life of Pi moments. Green Bay has fantastic northern pike fishing that you or your family can try out all on the safety of the shore or a small boat.
- Hiking or biking in the mountains – Many people will forgo the bigger water venues in order to get away from perceived crowds. This means heading up into the mountains for a little R&R. In doing so, be sure to pack the necessary gear (including plenty of water and some first-aid items in a kit) to have your bases covered. If you plan to hike or bike, always become cognizant of the fact that it can become rather easy to become dehydrated in the warmer weather, even in mountain area settings. If you feel yourself becoming a little woozy, by all means stop what you are doing and rest. It is much better to not fulfill your plans exercise or sightseeing goals than to have an accident because you tried to push yourself too far. Finally, make sure you are aware of any animals and/or bugs that are native to the mountainous areas you plan on being in. The last thing you want to have happen is coming face-to-face with a mountain line, snake, bear or other notable critter. If that should happen, always do whatever is necessary to protect yourself and those with you. Also be aware of what types of bugs and insects frequent the area or areas you will be visiting. For example, you do not want to come in contact with ticks (arachnids) while out in the woods, especially given the fact they carry Lyme disease etc. If you do have a bad encounter with an animal or arachnid etc. be sure to seek immediate medical assistance if you are not capable of treating a wound yourself.
No matter where summertime adventure may take you in the next few months, enjoying it is of course the main reason for doing it.
Avoid taking any work with you or studies (for those taking summer courses), thereby allowing you to get away from it all even if just for a few short days.
When all is said and done, you have the opportunity to have one of (perhaps the best) the great summer experiences of your life coming up.
Plan it out, practice safety and commonsense along the way, and prepare to keep things cool.