What do surfing, fishing, water skiing, and swimming have in common? They are all lots of fun...and they all take place in, on, or around the water! Water activities are a great way to stay cool and have a good time with your friends or your family. Take along these tips — and your common sense — to get wet, make waves, and have a blast!
Top Ten Tips
• DO learn to swim. If you like to have a good time doing water activities, being a strong swimmer is a must.
• DO take a friend along. Even though you may be a good swimmer, you never know when you may need help. Having friends around is safer and just more fun!
• DO know your limits. Watch out for the "too's" — too tired, too cold, too far from safety, too much sun, too much hard activity.
• DO swim in supervised (watched) areas only, and follow all signs and warnings.
• DO wear a life jacket when boating, jet skiing, water skiing, rafting, or fishing.
DO stay alert to currents. If you get caught in a strong current, don't fight it. Swim parallel to the shore until you have passed through it.
• DO keep an eye on the weather. If you spot bad weather (dark clouds, lighting), pack up and take the fun inside.
• DON'T mess around in the water. Pushing or dunking your friends can get easily out of hand.
• DON'T dive into shallow water. If you don't know how deep the water is, don't dive.
• DON'T float where you can't swim. Keep checking to see if the water is too deep, or if you are too far away from the shore or the poolside.