As temperatures warm up, you’ll likely be looking for relief from the Alabama heat at one of our many beautiful lakes. Our family enjoys riding in the pontoon boat, jumping in the lake on a hot day, and riding the inner tube!
While the lake can be a fun adventure for the whole family, we still have to be cautious with our little ones. I’ve included lake safety tips to help your family have fun, stay healthy and safe, and how to respect others on the lake around you.
Always Wear a Life Jacket
This is the number one lake rule. Whether you have a seasoned swimmer or your child can’t swim, a life jacket is a must for being safe around or on the lake. With different depths and murky water, it is always a good idea to have a life jacket on your child while around lake water.
Life jackets are also considered mandatory by the Coast Guard for children under the age of eight and by anyone being towed behind a boat. Putting our kids in life jackets gives peace of mind for us mamas, knowing that our children have that extra level of safety. Also remember, when fitting a life jacket, make sure all zippers are zipped to the top and all buckles are securely fastened so the life jacket will work properly.
Protect Your Skin
Haven’t we all had a bad experience with sunburn? Let’s face it, when it’s your child with a sunburn, it’s misery. Sunscreen is a must for a day at the lake. Even on overcast days, always apply sunscreen as directed and make sure to reapply every few hours. Wide brim hats with SPF protection are a great addition for a fun day at the lake, and straps are great for breezy boat rides. Rash guards made out of breathable material with SPF are also great sun protection for children’s delicate skin.
Always Have Water and Snacks
Summer days on the lake can get hot in Alabama. We all know it’s easy to dehydrate, and you may forget to drink fluids while swimming in the water and having fun. Bring more water with you than you need for drinking, and don’t forget snacks to stay energized. Grab and go prepackaged snacks and lunchables are great ideas for boat ride snacks.
Follow the Buddy System
The excitement of lake days can be distracting, and it’s a good idea to have a buddy system in place for our children. Talk with your children beforehand and let them know who they will be swimming with and to never swim alone.
Be Aware of Your Surroundings
Stay aware of who is in the water at all times and keep an eye out for floating debris. Also be cautious of other boaters, jet skiers, and kayakers in the area. Ask all children to stay within a few feet of the boat and flag to other passing boaters that you have people in the water near your boat.
Most important, remember to have fun! The lake can be an enjoyable and fun-filled day for the whole family where many memories can be made. I hope these tips are helpful for your next lake day adventure!
