Vacations and warmer weather brings folks outdoors to enjoy the many activities that test your skill, brings families together and gets you up and moving! The activities that top the list for favorite family fun are: boating, camping, fishing and hunting. Planning your outdoor activities can be fun as you decide when and where; don’t forget to plan on being safe too. Here are a few safety tips for each of your favorite outdoor activities.

Boating and Fishing:

It is imperative that all recreational boaters including personal watercraft users have a free Vessel Safety Check (VSC) conducted once a year. The U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary and the United States Power Squadrons® offer the VSC. Having this done is your guarantee that your craft won’t deter you from having boating fun on the water this summer. It also guarantees that your boat is safe and there are no violations of state or federal laws that may put your life or your passenger’s lives at risk. To locate a Vessel Examiner go to www.vesselsafetycheck.org and click “I Want a VSC”.

Never mix alcohol consumption with boating. Half of all boating fatalities involve alcohol. The heat and sun make it tough to stay alert on board, alcohol compounds drowsiness and can lead to accidents. Save the celebration for after you dock safely.

Make sure every member of the crew and passenger’s wear a Coast Guard approved PFD floating devise while in your boat. These should be worn at all times.

Never keep PFD’s under lock and key while underway.

Always have a fully charged fire extinguisher for your type and size of boat.

Never go fishing alone.

Fly-fishing can be enjoyable if you remember to have these three essentials:

Hollow glass rod is the best for beginners since it requires less care than bamboo rods

Make sure your line and rod are matched; a mismatch is usually the reason when encountering trouble while fly-fishing.

Spend a day or two among experienced fisherman to learn some valuable lessons about fly fishing. This time will be well spent and you will enjoy your vacation much better.

Camping:

When spending time outdoors it is important to have the proper outdoor gear. Make a hiking and camping checklist an essential part of your gear and don’t forget to include any supplies you will need for shelter, food, medical emergencies, water, map & compass, cell phone and any daily medications or those for allergies and bug bites. Always pack emergency signaling devices. Make sure you take the weather into consideration when deciding what gear to take.

Update your skills for activities as well as survival skills.

Never hike or camp alone (4 people is a safe number), and always let someone know where you will be and when you intend to return and also let them know the make, year, and license plate of your vehicle.

Find out in advance any regulations, restrictions or rules in regards to campfires, closed or off limit areas and guidelines for dealing with wildlife.

Camping Gear Essentials List:

Tent - appropriate for the terrain and the expected weather conditions.

Tarp- to protect your gear

Sleeping bag - check to be sure your bag is rated for extreme cold

Sleeping pad - for comfort and insulation should the ground be cold

Inflatable pillow for a headrest (or rolled up towel or shirt)

Bottled Water - for cooking and drinking

Cooler - to store food in and filled with ice will keep it cold

Camp Stove - most camp grounds have grills but your own stove is handy

Mess Kit - basic pots and pans, utensils, plate, bowl, cup and can opener

Charcoal and lighter for grilling out

Hunting Safety:

There are 3 rules every hunter must ask: is it legal, is it safe and is it fair?

Never hunt alone, always in a group. Each group should practice behavior that is safe, appropriate and ethical.

Expect every firearm to be loaded and treat it in that manner

Always point the muzzle in a safe direction

Be absolutely certain of your target and anything beyond it before pulling the trigger

Your finger should always be outside of the trigger guard and off the trigger until ready to shoot.

You must always use the correct hunting equipment.

Keep these safety tips in mind as you plan your summer outdoor fun. Enjoy the outdoors with family and friends, and make some awesome memories to treasure for a lifetime.