You are here: Home / Archives for Water

Safety Tips for Tubing at the Lake

Tubing on Pleasant Lake, Cass County, MN

Image via Wikipedia

Everyone loves a good day at the lake; the sun, the water and the fun all add up to an awesome day. Add to the mix tubing and the day goes from good to great. Tubing can be fun and exciting, but it can also be very dangerous, especially for the inexperienced. Here are a few rules to follow to make for a safe day:

Rule 1:

Always be sure that everyone on the water is wearing a life vest; this is not disputable. Accidents happen even to the seasoned swimmer. Safety comes first.

Rule 2:

The driver of the boat needs to keep his speed low. For an experienced tuber 25 mph is good. For an inexperienced tuber 10 mph is good.

Rule3:

Always have a spotter in the boat to watch the tuber. If the tuber falls off the driver can then circle back to pick them up.

Rule 4:

Teach your tubers to use signals to inform the spotter that they are fine when falling off the tube.

Rule 5:

Stay away from other boats while towing a tuber. Accidents have happened where a tuber has been pulled into the propellers of another boat. It is often difficult to see someone in a wake if you do not know they are there.

Rule 6:

Make sure that everyone on the water applies suntan lotion. The reflection of the sun off the water can cause very bad burns.

Tubing can be fun for everyone. Take a few precautions and be safe while enjoying a great day tubing at the lake.

Filed Under: Lake Sports, Safety Tagged With: , ,

Lakes And Potable Water

Lakes and ponds for generations have been one of the most important sources of water. However, the problem with lake water is that very often the water is unclean and hence unfit for drinking. Though lake water can be used for washing clothes, dishes, vehicles and even animals, drinking lake water as it is fraught with risk and could lead to diseases and water borne infections.

Though there is enough water in many of our lakes it is unfit for drinking unless it is filtered and made ready for drinking. Previously, filtering lake water used to very difficult, cumbersome and cost prohibitive. However, with the advancement of technology this problem has been solved to a great extent and today there are many small sized water filters which could go a long way in removing contaminants from water and make it fit for drinking and cooking. Buying the right kind of filter would go a long way in solving your drinking water problem. But before buying a filter, you should undertake a study of the water and find out its quality. You should be able to have a report in hand which details out the kind of contaminants that the lake water has. Once these details are available with you, you could go ahead and get the right kind of filter which can remove all these contaminated elements and substances.

Another way you can make lake water more potable is to reduce the level of contaminants by joining together as a group and preventing pollution and contamination. Most of the pollutant in the lakes are man-made including plastics, wastes and untreated effluent wastes. So if we as a group of responsible citizens are able to build a movement and stop the inflow of harmful chemicals and pollutants into the lakes, we could make better use of our lakes, eventually for our benefit.

Filed Under: Lake Sports, Safety Tagged With: , ,

Hiking Safely

Hiking is one of the most thrilling and exciting of all adventure sports and there can be fewer sports to compare it when it comes to visiting new places and discovering new things in life. But again like many other adventure sports, hiking is also a risk-laden sports activity unless certain basic safety measure are not in place.

If you are going on a long hike, always remember the basic rule. Carry plenty of water. Hiking is a wear tiring sports and could easily lead to dehydration if you are not carrying enough water. Finding water on the way is a possibility, but leaving things to possibilities should be avoided to a big extent when it comes to hiking. So it is best to be prepared with adequate quantities of water. The next important point to be kept in mind is to always be sure to carry a first aid kit. Many people leave this behind a pay a heavy price later due to accidents and injuries where the first thing that would help them would a first aid help. Another important rule that needs to be followed while you are hiking is to avoid hiking alone. Traveling alone and engaging in hiking is akin to hurtling fast towards danger and that too knowingly. Hiking though an exciting adventure sport is at times highly unpredictable and so traveling alone could be inviting trouble for you.

Before you actually get into the hiking activity it would be much better if you could map the whole area which are planning to cover by your hiking and leave a few copies with each member of the team. This way you could be able to identify each other in case there is a need to do so, or else you could be walking down a blind alley. Wearing hiking boots is extremely essential to protect you from the wear and tear to your foot which is quite natural when you in a hiking activity. Ordinary shoes, sandals, and other cheaper materials will not work and hence do not try to cut corners here.

Filed Under: Safety, Sports Tagged With: , , , ,

Kayaking- A Fun Ride for Everyone

One water adventure that lasts year round for many people is Kayaking. Also referred to as Paddling, it’s often times a solitary trip. Though there are Kayaks that seat two or more individuals, most are one seaters making it a peaceful trip. Just you, a small boat, and the surrounding nature. There are various styles of Kayaks for different uses-fishing, whitewater, open deck, ocean, day trips, or the classic closed deck that protects the lower body from the spray of water.

As with any sport there are safety precautions that must be taken.

  • Most important for any water event is to wear a life jacket and take a first aid kit. Carry a whistle with you in case of emergency and you need help.
  • Find out the day’s weather and if there will be any forecast changes.
  • Have a “float plan”. Leave a note or itinerary of when and where you’re going to people on share are aware of you leaving.
  • Bring drinking water, at least a gallon if doing a day trip.
  • Wear bright colors when paddling out-preferably yellow or orange as those can be seen from far distances.
  • Flotation bags would be a good investment. They are devices put at the front and rear of the Kayak that keep it afloat if it overturns.
  • A water pump in case of capsize. The device gets the water out of the boat, allowing you to get back in your boat quicker.

It’s also a good idea to take a first aid and rescue class that deals with how to get back in your kayak if the boat overturns. Instructors tell you how to handle the situation, including if you’re injured and can’t lift your body back inside. There are numerous businesses that teach the class or you can find videos online documenting safety measures.

Now that you’re prepared, get out there and paddle away!

Filed Under: Sports Tagged With: , ,

Canoeing

There is much to learn from canoeing the Black River in Florida with friends. Some are good, some not so good. So, read on. Think about what you learn before your next outing.

Being on the water, you are subject to the sun’s reflection of the river. So the first word to learn is sunscreen. Put it on frequently, head to toe. Don’t be stingy. Getting that golden tan sounds enticing, but sunburns hurt and damage to the skin is irreparable.

The next word to learn is insect repellent. It is a necessity. Sure, you may think that it’ll interfere with your getting a good tan, but there is nothing worse than going home with huge welts on your exposed skin.

Better yet, get a combination. Go Ready is an insect repellant and SPF 30 sunscreen. As mentioned before, don’t be stingy. Sunburn hurts as do insect bites.

Bring clothes, from replacements to a jacket. Depending upon where your river is located, weather can change. The temperature will probably be steady in most states, but in the Rockies temperatures to change very quickly and drastically. It’s been known to go from 80 degrees to freezing with snow in just a couple hours.

Pack a picnic lunch. Canoe trips usually last a day. Fill your cooler with lots of water and healthy snacks. While it is tempting to fill that cooler with cold brews, intoxication is not recommended. Think drinking and driving. You’ll find natural jetties along the trip. Perfect for the occasional break and lunch. Just remember to leave the location the way you found it.

Everything you bring should be packed in water proof bags. Food Savers are great if you have one. The bags are water tight. If you flip the canoe, everything you packed will still stay dry.

Filed Under: Sports Tagged With: ,

Types of Water Sports for the Whole Family

Water sports can be a lot of fun for the entire family. Did you know there are actually a wide variety of water sports you can enjoy? Check out our suggestions for fun family water sports you can enjoy all year long.

1. Boating. You are probably already aware of this option, but boating is a very popular and fun activity. Take the family out on the lake in your boat for the day to relax and enjoy the fresh air.

2. River rafting. Float in a tube down your local river. Always wear a life jacket and be sure to go when the river isn’t too high (like in early spring) or too fast. If you are taking small children with you, be sure to take them on a tube with an adult.

3. Canoeing. Taking a canoe out is also a fun water sport. Two or three people can paddle out and around your favorite lake, getting some exercise, while enjoying the beautiful scenery.

4. Fishing. If you don’t want to actually get out on the water, try fishing from the shore. You can find a quiet spot and cast your rod in for the catch of the day.

5. Water skiing. Another popular water sport is water skiing. Hook a tow rope up to the back of the boat and you can sail through the water on skis. Or, you could even hook a water tube up to the rope for some fun.

Water sports are some of the most popular family activities around. When the weather is hot and you need to cool down, head to your favorite lake and enjoy some of the activities we suggest here. You’ll have a great time being outdoors and have some great family bonding time. What are your favorite water sports? Do you agree with our picks?

Filed Under: Sports Tagged With: ,

Most Popular Water Sports

Slalom skier
Image via Wikipedia

Water sports are a great way to get out and enjoy the great outdoors. You can spend time together as a family or enjoy the peacefulness of nature in solitude. No matter your style, water sports are a great way to get out and experience life. Here are our top choices for the most popular water sports to try.

1. Water skiing. You can’t do this one alone, but water skiing is by far one of the most popular water sports out there. You’ll need someone with a boat to pull you and some skis. Then, it’s time to sail through the water and feel the thrill that comes from skimming over the lake.

2. Kayaking. Here’s one you can do alone if you want to be by yourself. Get in a kayak and head down your favorite river or out on your favorite lake. Kayaking takes a lot of upper body strength and is a great work out.

3. Boating. You don’t need a lot of physical strength to go boating, but it’s very relaxing to be out on the lake with nothing but the wind and nature around you. Be sure to wear a life jacket and keep it safe.

4. Wind surfing. Wind surfing is quickly becoming very popular. It’s a fairly new sport, but the exciting and exhilaration that come from wind surfing are hard to beat.

5. Kite boarding. Similar to wind surfing, kite boarding is another thrilling water sport. You’ll need nothing but physical strength and the wind to enjoy this sport.

6. Swimming. Here’s one we almost always forget, but swimming is the ultimate water sport. You don’t need any special equipment to enjoy swimming in a beautiful lake.

When the warmer weather hits and you have a hankering to get in the great outdoors, keep these water sports in mind.

Filed Under: Lake Sports Tagged With: , ,