Kids’ Corner

KIDS’ CORNER GOING TO THE LAKE!

TIPS FOR FUN AND SAFETY AT THE LAKE THIS SUMMER By Jill “Mamabug” Frier of Carefree until you reach Bartlett is known for its boating, trout fishing, ensure that should you be forced under Dam Road. Bartlett Reservoir is and the stunning scenery and canyon the water, you will pop back up to

Summer has arrived in the Valley the second-largest lake in the Tonto walls that surround parts of the lake. the top and stay afloat. Even strong, of the Sun, and the heat in the National Forest and is a state record skilled swimmers can’t stop an underdesert makes it the perfect fishing spot, as well as a great place ROOSEVELT LAKE tow from pulling them under a rock season to head to one of our nearby for camping and picnicking. Continue east on Highway 88 until it or underwater cliff, so don’t take the lakes. Whether you love boating, intersects with Highway 188 and you chance. Being safe means using a life fishing, swimming, water sports, SAGUARO LAKE will arrive at Roosevelt Lake, also in vest, no matter your experience. or just enjoying the beauty of a Saguaro Lake is east of Phoenix, off the Tonto National Forest. Roosevelt • Don’t Drink the Water. Untreated sparkling water oasis in the desert, of the Beeline Highway (Highway Lake is the largest of the lakes in the freshwater often contains some pretty there are many large lakes near the 87) on the way to Payson. The lake is Sonoran Desert region surrounding gruesome microorganisms that can Phoenix area for you to enjoy with located in the Tonto National Forest, Phoenix and hosts boating and camping easily make you sick. Don’t drink lake your friends and family. Here is a list a short drive from Fountain Hills and facilities for visitors. It’s also the gate- water and avoid getting it through your of some of the lakes in the area and Apache Junction and is a favorite for way to the Tonto National Monument, a nose – you never know what kinds of tips to help you have a fun and safe boating and fishing fans. well-preserved site of 700-800 year old bacteria are lurking in the cool depths, trip while you’re there. cliff dwellings with a spectacular view but a trip to the hospital for giardia, E. CANYON LAKE of the lake and surrounding mountains. coli or something worse is a terrible LAKE PLEASANT Canyon Lake is east of Phoenix in the way to find out. Lake Pleasant Regional Park is a Superstition Wilderness, near Tortilla SAFETY ON THE LAKE • Be Aware of Your Surroundings. part of the Maricopa County Parks Flats just off of Highway 88 (also Once you get to the lake, water safety Before you jump into a swimming and Recreation system. Located just known as the Apache Trail). A part is always a priority for people of all hole, be sure you know if there are any north of Phoenix off of highway of the Tonto National Forest, Canyon ages. Here are some important guide- rocks, tree stumps, or debris lurking 74 (Carefree Highway), Lake Lake is a great favorite of water sports lines to keep in mind to help you make underneath the water that can cause a Pleasant is a favorite for local fans, hikers and campers. the most of your lake adventure and serious injury. If you are swimming outdoor enthusiasts and fans of all keep your family safe and sound. near a boat, be sure to stay away from water sports, with boating, fishing, APACHE LAKE • Never Swim Alone. It’s always the motor exhaust and carbon monoxcamping, and trails for hiking, biking Apache Lake is a bit further east of important to keep an eye on your kids ide fumes. And be sure to check water and horseback riding. Phoenix than Canyon Lake along any time they are in the water, but it’s surrounding a dock, as boats and docks Highway 88. Apache Lake is also lo- also important for adults to make sure are powered by electricity, which can BARTLETT LAKE cated in the Tonto National Forest and they stick together when swimming in cause an electric shock when you enter Bartlett Lake (or Reservoir) the lake. It can be easy to lose track of the water. Pay attention to the potential is located northeast of all the swimmers dangers around you and be alert and Phoenix, in the while you’re on aware of your surroundings every time Tonto National the lake so be sure you enter the water. Forest. Take Cave to use the buddy • Wear Sunscreen. Take a Hat. Drink Creek Road east system. Drowning Tons of Water. Every time you go outis a silent killer, so side in the desert, be sure to take steps keep each other in to protect yourself and your loved ones view - a few min- from dehydration and sun exposure. utes can mean the difference between Summer is the perfect time to cool life and death. off and enjoy our almost year-round • Always Wear Life sunshine by the lake or pond. The Jackets. The majority of scenic wilderness and beauty of our lake drownings, some- Sonoran Desert lakes is a great way to where around 80 percent, experience nature, have fun, and enjoy occur because a person the many fun activities available at the was not wearing a life lake. But be sure to plan ahead when jacket. Flotation devices you head for the lake and take steps to be safe and prevent accidents, illness or drowning while you splash around. And be sure to check LadybugsBlog. com for more ideas for having fun outside while keeping your kids safe this summer in Arizona!