WATER + FAMILY FUN | Family + Health
5 PREP-STEPS FOR A Healthy Lake Season Ahead by Haiden Hibbert
Lake season is quickly approaching (hooray!) and most of us are anxious to get out on the water. However, before we hit the lake, let’s take a few steps to ensure a healthy and safe season ahead.
1
. Keep the boat clean and sanitized. Maintaining your boat is one of the biggest responsibilities within the lake life we love, but how often do you really need to clean it? To keep your boat sanitized and safe for the family, it’s best to give it a good clean every one to two weeks during the active summer months. Keep microfiber cloths, vinegar, and the cleaning solution of your choice on hand to sanitize surfaces, boxes, and hinges.
2
Remember to stay hydrated. When you’re out and about on lake days, it’s easy to forget to stay hydrated. Whether you’re relaxing lakeside or out on the water, make sure your cooler or personal water bottle is full at all times, and try to drink water throughout the day, even if you don’t feel thirsty. Another good rule of thumb, especially for hot summer days, is to drink caffeinated beverages and alcohol in moderation to prevent dehydration.
76
LAKElife Magazine May 2022
4 3
Make sure you have all the required safety equipment to stay safe all summer long. No one wants to think about an emergency situation happening in the midst of your summer fun, but one of the best ways to have peace of mind and ensure your loved ones are protected is to have safety equipment at-the-ready. This includes lifejackets, throwable floatation devices, flares, a fire extinguisher, and a first aid kit.
Speaking of a first aid kit, make sure you have yours updated and filled with all the necessary supplies. From bandaids to ointment for insect bites, you never know what you’ll need to dig out of your first aid kit this summer. According to LakeHomes.com, here’s what you should have on-hand at all times: • Bandages like gauze, medical tape, and different sized bandages • Antibacterial materials like cream, hand sanitizer, cotton balls, and wipes • Basic medications such as aspirin, antacids, and Benadryl • Bug spray (and lots of it!) • Itch and burn-relief products • Petroleum jelly • Tweezers and a small pair of scissors • A thermometer
