When participating in water sports like rafting, adults and
children alike should wear flotation devices at all times.
Outdoor enthusiasts typically cannot
wait to get outside and make the most of a beautiful day. But in their haste to
enjoy the great outdoors, men and women can easily overlook safety precautions
that protect them from potential hazards.
Though it's easy to get excited
about a sunny day, it's important for outdoor enthusiasts to take safety
seriously. No matter your activity, always bring adequate sunscreen to protect
your skin from the sun, and remember to bring enough water to stay hydrated
throughout the day. In addition to packing sunscreen and water, outdoor
enthusiasts can employ various additional safety methods depending on which
activity they choose to enjoy.
Cycling
Cyclists must always be on alert for
those with whom they are sharing the road. While many motorists respect
cyclists, there are some who see cyclists as a nuisance, and such motorists may
drive recklessly around cyclists in an attempt to scare them off the road.
Cyclists are oftentimes at the mercy of motorists, so it pays to stay as
attentive as possible. Never listen to an MP3 player or another music player
while riding a bike. Such a distraction could prove deadly if it takes your
attention away from the road. Alertness is important when cycling, as are the
following precautionary measures:
* Always wear a helmet and
reflective clothing that makes it easy for motorists to see you.
* Obey the traffic laws.
* Always ride with traffic.
* Inspect your bicycle and address
any mechanical issues before each ride.
Hiking
When the weather permits, few
activities combine the benefits of physical activity with the aesthetic appeal
of nature as well as hiking does. Hikers should never hike on poorly developed
trails or trails that are too difficult for them to handle, and they should
have at least a basic understanding of the symptoms of altitude sickness.
Always share your route with friends or family members before embarking on a
hiking trip. This protects you if you should get lost or injured and you need a
rescue team to find you. Hikers should also pack the following supplies before
hitting the trails:
* Compass
* Flashlight and extra batteries
* Whistle and signal mirror
* Map of the park that includes the
trails you plan to hike
* Waterproof matches
* First aid kit
* Blanket
Inline skating and skateboarding
Inline skating and skateboarding are
popular activities for adults and children alike. But even though you may
associate such activities with your childhood, that does not mean the risk of
injury is insignificant. In fact, even seasoned skateboarders and veteran
inline skaters have suffered broken bones or head injuries while skateboarding
or skating. Proper attire is essential for skaters and skateboarders hoping to
prevent injury, so be sure to wear the following gear the next time you hit the
half-pipe or go skating by the boardwalk:
* Helmet
* Knee pads
* Wrist guards
* Elbow pads
Water sports
Water attracts the sun, so it's
imperative that anyone planning to spend ample time on or around the water take
steps to protect their skin. Wear appropriate clothing and apply sunscreen with
a minimum sun protection factor of 15.
Never take to the water after you
have consumed alcohol. Alcohol can dull your senses, making you less likely to
recognize a dangerous situation should one present itself.
If you plan on entering the water,
always enter feet first and do your best to avoid swimming alone. When you
employ the buddy system while swimming, you are ensuring there is someone there
to help you should you begin to struggle or to alert lifeguards or other safety
personnel should something go awry.
If you to plan to fish on a boat,
let your loved ones staying behind on land know where you plan to fish so they
can share this information with authorities if your boat has problems or you
don't return on time. While on the boat, always wear a flotation device and
make sure the boat is not running as you board and dismount.
The great outdoors can be enjoyed
throughout the year. But outdoor enthusiasts will have a much better time if
they take the necessary steps to reduce their risk of injury. EL136236
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