Safety Guidelines for Outdoor Water Sports - There is a vast diversity in the types of water sports activities. Some of the more popular include: swimming, scuba diving, fishing, boating, sailing, tubing, surfing and wakeboarding.
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Introduction
Each year the number of participants involved in water sports is increasing and therefore, the chances of accidents occurring also increase. Every participant must be able to realize the potential hazards involved in water sports and must prepare themselves in advance so that potential dangerous situations can be avoided.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention conducted a survey, and according to a 2005 report, more than 4,000 deaths were reported during different kinds of water sports activities that year.
So it is important to know basic safety guidelines associated with water activities that will help participants in different kind of water sports to take certain safety measure(s) before and during the time of their activity near and in the water.
Basic Safety Guidelines That You Should Know
Knowledge of Basic Swimming Skills
You should take swimming lessons, and know basic swimming skills. If you are not a good swimmer, then be sure to wear appropriate safety gear, and be with people who have good swimming skills. Knowing how to swim helps you to feel more comfortable in the water, and decreases your chances of drowning.
Wear Life Jacket Properly
Wear your life jacket, life vest, or other flotation type devices properly. Make sure the vest or jacket is the right size - it should be a good fit - and is properly secured. A life jacket or vest will keep you afloat while waiting for assistance. Even with a life jacket, don't take chances.
Rough water or seas can still be problematic for any person even on the surface of the water.
Certain water sports require that you wear a personal flotation device (PFD or life jacket. If you are on a quality inflatable tube, such as Sportsstuff towables, in addition to a life jacket, be sure to also use or have the other products for your safety and enjoyment. The same is true with skiing, windsurfing, wakeboarding, riding on a jet ski, or even kayaking. Wear at life jacket or vest that protects you, and yet lets you enjoy the fun. If you are renting water sports equipment, you'll find that a life jacket is standard for participation.
Look After One Another
Always have a “buddy” out on the water, and be on the lookout for each other. When you are on the boat, there should also be a person ( a “Spotter”) who is watching out for other people in the water, such as persons swimming, snorkelers or on rafts. Even when you are fishing, and may enjoy the solitude, it’s best to have someone with you. If you are going out in the water alone, be sure to tell someone beforehand so that they know where to find you, if something goes wrong.
Supervision of Children
Children love to join in on the fun with water activities, and it’s a great learning time for them also. Yet we know that most kids think very little about the dangers involved in water sports. To be safe, children under 16 years of age should be supervised the whole time during their participation in water sports. Be sure to have a first aid kit and other safety supplies around in case they have a minor injury.
Plenty of Water and Sunscreen Protection
While we are thinking about children, make sure they drink lots or water and wear a strong sunscreen. If fact, the same applies to you! When we are participating in water sports activities, we are constantly in the sun (we all hope for sunny days when we are outside). This constant sunlight dehydrates our body, and will burn our skin as well. So be sure to drink plenty of water, and properly protect yourself from the direct rays of sunlight. Use a good quality sunscreen lotion or cream to avoid sunburns. Follow the instructions on the initial application, and then re-apply as needed.
Know Proper Use of Equipment
If you are on a boat, you should have basic knowledge of safety equipment and how to use it. If you are properly trained in this respect, then it is an added advantage for you during your participation. Types of safety equipment can include extra life jackets, life preservers, radios, GPS devices, mobile phones, fire extinguisher, first aid kits, tool kit, water proof whistles or horns or flares.
Be sure that all safety equipment and supplies are safely stored while out on the water. They need to be out of the way, and yet easy to access if ever needed. The last thing you want is to trip and fall over a safety item! Keep things stored and secured.
Always Pre-Plan Your Activities
Plan everything before getting started, as it helps you to be well prepared, and then minimizes what you need to thinking about during your water events. Even those sharing in the fun should have an idea of the schedule, and activities, and time to return to the dock or shore. This includes making sure everyone is fully aware of basic knowledge of safety rules and procedures, as mentioned above.
Be Alert of Weather
Since we are hoping for sunny days, we are probably checking the weather forecast. As with any water event, we should always be aware of the weather conditions and conditions of the lake or sea. During your participation, keep a watchful eye on any changes in the weather. If there is a change, make sure you have enough time to reach the shore or dock safely. It’s best to avoid staying out in rough water, since it is unpredictable, and could create dangerous situations.
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Keep yourself, your family, your friends, and your children safe during water sports activities by following these helpful water sports safety guidelines. Take the time to get prepared, and have the right equipment, supplies, and attitude so that you can enjoy a great day at the beach or lake!
Author's Biography
Jane Warren is the web publisher of towabletubesdirect.com, a website that provides information on boating water tubes.
She loves being involved in many water sports activities, and is an active participant in scuba diving, snorkelling, swimming, and boating. Her diving highlight is a shark dive; her swimming highlight was completing a one-mile swim last summer; and another highlight was swimming with two dolphins at Dolphin Cove!
She and her husband spend most of the winter season in Grand Cayman, where there are many ways to enjoy the wonderful sunny beaches, and the beautiful ocean.
They also enjoy having friends and family visit, and everyone is always ready to get out on the boat, and ride on a towable tube, like the Sportsstuff Big Mable. There is room for three riders, and always a group waiting their turn!
Since Jane is on the water so much, she is very aware of the benefit of knowing basic guidelines for water sports safety. She has experienced the death of an extended family member due to carelessness, and wants to encourage others to be smart and safe when enjoying water-related activities. It's worth it!
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