CHAPTER EIGHT

Each year, many people are injured or killed in, on or by the water because they were having so much fun that they forgot to be safety-conscious. Windsurfing, jet skiing, boating, swimming, fishing and every other water sport require skill, care and a healthy respect for their danger potential. If you're a beginner, take the time to learn your water sport carefully. Don't let your enthusiasm outweigh your own good judgment or your skill level. If you're more skilled, remember that no matter how good you are, one mistake can turn an afternoon of fun into a lifetime of tragedy.

Wear the protective equipment designed for and required by your sport: life jackets and safety helmets are only cumbersome until they are needed; after an accident has happened, it's too late to use them.

The old swimmers' rule "don't go in without a buddy" is always the best advice for ALL water sports.

Leave washed-up sea creatures alone; the beautiful Portuguese Man O'Wars is, if possible, more deadly on the beach than it is in the water.

Don't swim in natural waters, like the Gulf, after dark or under threatening weather conditions. 

The big waves may be a thrill, but the undertow that goes with them is nothing to fool with. And speaking of thrills, warning signs are posted for reasons: obey them.

NEVER swim, surf, ski, sail or play in the water when you are tired, drunk or drugged. Booze, firearms and drugs have no business on, in or by the water.

Watch children constantly by the sea or in the pool. Most drownings of children happen because someone wasn't paying attention: a child can get into water trouble almost as quickly as you can blink. Keep in mind that ALL children need swimming lessons. Learn CPR for both children and adults. The National Safety Institute states that virtually all drowning victims can be saved by prompt CPR.

Your trash is no pleasure for the rest of us who share the water with you, so pickup after yourself. Trash an eyesore and a danger to marine and wetlands ecosystems. If you love the great outdoors, help take care of it.

Sunscreen is possibly the best preventive product you can buy: on top of being painful, sunburn and over tanning are dangerous. Looking like a swimsuit ad may seem attractive, but skin cancer isn't. Know how is contact emergency assistance if needed; be sure you have gas in the tank and also be sure you know how to find the nearest hospital emergency room.