Fishing, hiking, biking and other outdoors activities are popular in the Shoals and rank among the reasons that thousands of visitors come to the area each year.
The pristine beauty of the Shoals, with its numerous streams and lakes as well as wonderful colors, add to the attraction.
There are plenty of adventures and relaxing moments to savior at most every turn.
Regardless of your chosen outdoor activity or hobby, safety should be your first consideration.
Here are some tips:
FISHING
For people who fish, Hooked on Fishing International offers the following safety tips for adults and children:
Establish rules: no running, keep your shoes on. Point your rod toward the sky when walking. Look around for people and obstructions before you cast.
Anglers should learn the overhead cast first. The overhead cast teaches proper technique and is safer than side casts.
Set up a buddy system. The youngest anglers need an adult “buddy” and constant supervision.
Make sure each young angler, swimmers or non-swimmers alike, wears a personal floatation device at all times -– on the boat, on the dock or on the shore.
Bring along a long-handled fish net. It’s not just for netting fish, but it’s handy in case it’s needed to reach out to someone in the water. It will also retrieve trash and valuables from the water.
Take a first aid kit with medical supplies to deal with cuts, scrapes, bruises, bites and other minor problems.
Plan for cold drink breaks. Summer temperatures can get pretty warm, so bring lots of cool water and other healthy drinks. Make sure young anglers drink fluids often to prevent dehydration or even heat stroke. Liquids are important during the winter, also.
Sunscreen is a necessity. The ultraviolet light of the sun can do a lot of damage to skin, eyes and lips. Outfit young anglers with proper sunglasses, a billed cap and clothing appropriate to the climate and sun conditions. Avoid fishing in the middle of the day. Cover face, neck, ears, back of hands and all other exposed skin with a sun protection factor of 15 or higher.
Stay away from snakes. Most snakes are harmless, but most of the people who have been bitten are trying to catch or kill the snake.
Ward off pests with insect repellant. Mosquitoes, ticks, bees and other insects not only sting or bite, they can carry diseases.
HUNTING
For hunters using firearms, the Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources recommends:
Keep the muzzle pointed in a safe direction at all times.
Treat the firearm with the respect due a loaded gun.
Be sure of your target, what is in front of it and what is beyond it.
Wear a blaze orange cap or vest.
Use a small flashlight during dim light conditions to identify yourself as a human being.
Tree stand users should:
Read and follow the manufacturer’s instructions prior to using an elevated platform.
Inspect your stand and tree prior to each use.
Always wear a fall restraint device anytime you are climbing, sitting, or descending from an elevated position.
Always pull your gun or bow up with a pull up rope. Firearms should be unloaded, action open and safety on.
CYCLING
The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission offers the following tips for people who ride bicycles:
Protect your head. Wear a helmet.
See and be seen. Wear bright fluorescent colors during the day.
Avoid biking at night. If riding at night, equip your bike with head and taillights and wear reflective clothing.
Stay alert. Keep a lookout for obstacles in your path.
Check for traffic. Be aware of traffic around you.
Learn the rules of the road. Obey traffic laws.
Assure bicycle readiness. Is your bike properly adjusted?
Check your brakes before riding.
Check your wheels. “Quick release” wheels should be securely fastened.
HIKING and CAMPING
For hikers and campers the American Red Cross recommends:
If you have any medical conditions, discuss your plans with your healthcare provider and get approval before departing.
Review the equipment, supplies and skills you’ll need. Consider what emergencies could arise and how you would deal with those situations. What if you get lost, or were unexpectedly confronted by an animal? What if someone became ill or injured? What kind of weather might you encounter?
Make sure you have the skills you need for your camping or hiking adventure. You may need to know how to read a compass, erect a temporary shelter or give first aid. Practice your skills in advance.
If your trip will be strenuous, get into good physical shape before setting out.
It’s safest to hike or camp with at least one companion. If you’ll be entering a remote area, your group should have a minimum of four people; this way if one is hurt, another can stay with the victim while two go for help. If you’ll be going into an area that’s unfamiliar to you, take along someone who knows the area or at least speak with those who do before you set out.
Some areas require you to have reservations or certain permits. If an area is closed, do not go there. Find out in advance about any regulations there may be about campfires or guidelines about wildlife.
Pack emergency signaling devices, and know ahead of time the location of the nearest telephone or ranger station in case an emergency does occur on your trip.
Leave a copy of your itinerary with a responsible person. Include such details as the make, year and license plate of your car, the equipment you’re bringing, the weather you’ve anticipated and when you plan to return.
BOATING
U.S. Coast Guard recommendations for safe boating.
Wear your life jacket. Life jacket use by all boat occupants can reduce drownings. Coast Guard-approved life jackets are now more attractive in appearance and comfortable to wear. When properly fitted, a life jacket or PFD can help to prevent a tragedy.
Avoid alcoholic beverages. Alcohol use affects judgment, vision, balance and coordination. Reports suggest that alcohol was a contributing factor in about one-third of all boating fatalities.
Complete a boating safety education course.
More than half of reported incidents in 2004 involved operator controllable factors. The primary causes of incidents are carelessness or recklessness, operator inattention, operator inexperience, and unsafe speeds.
During 2004, 70 percent of all boating fatalities occurred on boats where the boat operator had not attended a boating safety education course.
Participate in a vessel safety check program.
The program is a free public service provided by the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary and U.S. Power Squadron volunteer organizations promoting boating safety. These volunteer personnel check safety equipment and provide information about equipment purpose, safety procedures and applicable regulations.
WATER SKIING
The U.S. Coast Guard offers these tips for water skiing:
Always have an observer in the boat. This is a legal requirement in many states. The boat driver cannot watch the skier and operate the boat safely at the same time.
Always wear a Coast Guard approved personal flotation device designed for water skiing. Ski belts are not recommended. Your approved PFD will help keep you afloat.
Never ski in rough water. High or choppy waves will prevent the towboat from maintaining a steady course and speed.
Stay well clear of congested areas and obstructions. Water-skiing requires a lot of open area.
Don't spray or “buzz” swimmers, boats, or other skiers. Such stunts are dangerous, discourteous and could cause an unintentional collision.
Never ski after dark. It is hazardous and illegal. Any boat traveling fast enough to tow a skier is traveling too fast to navigate safely at night.
Never water-ski while under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Such activity is extremely dangerous because of the impairment to your judgment and ability to respond. A recent study conducted with expert skiers who were deliberately intoxicated indicated that even their ability to ski was dramatically reduced.
Use hand signals between the skier and observer. Agree before you start what each signal means so there is no confusion at a critical moment.
ENLARGE
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