The summer lake season is here with many days of hot weather forecasted. Enjoying the lake is a good way to enjoy the summer whether fishing, boating, water sports, canoeing or at the beach. Learn some ways to prevent heat-related illnesses and safely enjoy the hot days of summer at the Lake. National Weather Service provides more information about heat illnesses and safety.
Stay Hydrated
One of the most basic ways to keep your body cool on hot days is by keeping hydrated so bring extra water. Your body needs to replenish fluids lost through perspiration. Even if you don’t feel thirsty, you need to drink plenty of water in order to keep your body cool. A breeze or dip in the water may mask how much fluids your body has lost. Therefore, if you don’t drink enough fluids, you may run the risk of a heat-related illness.
While a cold alcoholic beverage might sound good, alcoholic and caffeinated drinks can worsen the effects from the heat.
Avoid The Hottest Times Of The Day and Take Cover
The best time to avoid reduce or eliminate stenuous activities is during the warmest part of the day. If your boat has a cabin or shaded area, take breaks whenever you can. Otherwise a break at a local restaurant, under a park shelter, canopy, or shade tree may help keep you cool. Like vehicles, enclosed spaces in watercraft could heat up quickly.
Take A Dip
A great way to cool off when the sun gets to be too much is by simply jumping in the water. It’s all around you, why not take advantage of it? By taking frequent dips, you’ll stay cool all day long. Some misters or cooling bandanas also help keep you cool.
Protect Your Eyes and Skin from UV Rays
The sun and its intense UV rays can reflect off the lake water and intensify its effects. Protect your eyes by wearing appropriate UV protecting sunglasses. Polarized lenses can help to cut down on the sun’s glare on the water.
Use Sunscreen to protect against sunburns, skin damage, and ptoentailly skin cancer. You need to use sunscreen on a regular basis if you want to protect your skin from harmful UV rays. Remember that the impact of suns rays still exist in cloudy conditions. Some lip balms and sunscreens are broad spectrum offering protection against both UVA and UVB rays or “reef safe” meaning they do not have the chemical components that harm the reefs in oceans. Waterproof sunscreens are also available if you are in the water. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions. The FDA provides more information about sunscreens and sunglasses.
Wear Protective Clothing
Many fishing, sports, and outside gear is engineered to not only wick away sweat, but also offer SPF protection from UV rays. While these are great options, there are other clothing tips that will help keep you comfortable. Wear light, loose-fitting, breathable fabrics in light colors. Even long-sleeve tops and long pants can give provide protection from the sun and heat. Wear a hat in order to keep the sun off your face, neck, ears and shoulders. The wider the brim, the better!
Take Extra Care with Children and Pets
Limit the intensity and duration of exercise for children and pets. They can be effected by the heat and the symptoms may occur suddenly. Learn more about pet safety from ASPCA.
Use A Buddy System
A good safety tip anytime is to not go on the lake alone. Go on the lake with family or friends so you can watch out for each other in case someone gets sunstroke.