Staying Safe During Your Summer Lake Vacation

Rip currents, waves, boat wakes, underwater hazards, and other dangers don’t just lurk in open ocean bodies of water; they’re also present in lakes. Lake Michigan in particular has notorious riptide and longshore tide dangers. So what should you do? If you’re going out on a boat, a jet ski, a paddleboard, a kayak, or a surfboard, make sure to always wear a life vest and have enough vests for everyone who is participating. If you’re planning on swimming, make sure you’re at a beach with a lifeguard. On top of that, ask someone in your party to keep an eye on you from the shore. Don’t dive off of docks or the edges of boats unless you’ve carefully checked for depth and any underwater obstacles. And lastly, never do anything in or near the water that you’re hesitant about and never encourage another to disregard their own caution. When it comes to the lake, it’s always best to be safe than sorry. As such, we encourage anyone that doesn’t have CPR or first aid training to go ahead and get it before heading to the lake.

While we mentioned it briefly up above, the mantra to “Always wear a life jacket” bears repeating. In boating accidents, 84.5% of those who drowned weren’t wearing their life vests. Even strong swimmers need to wear a vest when out on the water. With the possibility of cramps, riptides, getting hit by something, among other factors, you never know what awaits you on the lake. If the unimaginable happens, a life jacket could very well save your life.

Sunburns and dehydration can not only make your day at the lake and the days that follow miserable, but they can actually be dangerous to your health. Put a high SPF, waterproof sunscreen on at the start of your day at the lake, and reapply every hour. If you have any children or elders with you, make sure their exposed skin is receiving the same regimen. Pack an umbrella, a large hat, and a coverup, too, and always have more water than you think you’ll need to keep heat stroke and sunstroke at bay.