Tag: safety

How to Handle Inclement Weather at the Lake

Posted on Camille Smith
Photo courtesy of Steve Brimm via Lake Superior Magazine

In part due to climate change, extreme weather is increasing across the world. As a result, heavier rains and high winds directly affect freshwater systems. Since we spend a lot of time outdoors at the lake, it’s crucial to know what to do when encountering these extreme conditions. To make it easier, we compiled a few basic rules to help you stay safe in inclement weather at the lake.

Thunder and Lightning

Photo courtesy of Matt Hufstetler via Price County Review

According to the CDC, the optimal rule for this type of inclement weather is: “When thunder roars, go indoors!” It’s no wonder why. Where thunder is, lightning is not far behind, which is dangerous or even fatal. To protect yourself from thunder and lightning at the lake, keep the 30-30 rule in mind. If you see lightning, count to 30. If you hear thunder before reaching 30, go indoors and do not go back outside until 30 minutes after the last sound of thunder. 

Also, keep in mind that lightning is essentially a giant electrical blast in the sky. As such, it can travel through metal and electronic devices, and it’s best to avoid these materials during a storm. This also includes avoiding water since lightning can travel through plumbing.

High Winds

Photo courtesy of The Hartford

According to The Weather Channel, high winds are the biggest threat to boaters in lake areas. These winds create choppy waves that can easily overturn a boat or fill it with water. This can be especially detrimental if improper flotation devices are used. Be sure to check the weather ahead of time and avoid going out on the lake in high winds. If you do end up there, according to Boatus, “head into the waves at a slight angle, and reduce your speed. This will help you maintain control and avoid falling off of a wave or having a wave break over your stern.” Also, avoid large areas of open water as winds are likely to be stronger there. If you’re caught outside on the land, a good rule of thumb is to seek shelter next to a building.

Tornadoes

Photo courtesy of Espen Bierud on Unsplash

If your lake house is located in the southeast or midwest, chances are, you’re no stranger to tornadoes. These regions most commonly experience tornadoes, especially during the late spring and early summer. A common myth about tornadoes is that they cannot cross lakes or other bodies of water. However, this is simply false. Tornadoes can cross bodies of water, and they can also form on bodies of water — a phenomenon known as a “waterspout.” Tornadoes can also change directions at any time, so anticipating their specific route will not ensure safety. Seek shelter immediately during a tornado in an interior room on the lowest floor of your building.

Hurricanes

Image courtesy of Open Water Chicago via WBCKFM.com

Typically, we think of hurricanes as a form of inclement weather that only affects beach houses. However, hurricanes can still be an issue if you live on a lake in a coastal region. For example, in 1996, a dangerous hurricane hit the Great Lakes region. Although this is the only time a Category I hurricane has impacted the Great Lakes, it’s not entirely out of the question. If you find yourself facing a hurricane, be sure to avoid low-lying, flood-prone areas and instead seek higher ground. And of course, staying away from windows is critical due to the threat of glass breaking.

Snow and Hail

Image courtesy of WNEP.com

Although many forms of inclement weather take place in the spring and summer, there are certain conditions to watch out for during the winter months. To protect you and your lake home from the damage of snow, you can prepare your house by securing your pipes for the winter and owning a snow shovel and other tools. However, one often overlooked form of inclement weather is a hailstorm. They form when raindrops are carried upwards by thunderstorm drafts. 

According to the NOAA, hailstorms outnumber thunderstorms in the U.S. with a 5 to 1 ratio. At a lake house, the best thing to do is take cover. Another important thing to remember is that if you have a garage, use it! Vehicle damage is very common with hailstorms, as these heavy balls of ice can easily break through glass. For the same reason, stay away from windows in your lake house. 

From us at Lake Homes Realty, stay safe out there!

Water Safety for Kids on the Lake

Posted on Staff

three children smiling under waterEvery parent wants their children to stay safe while having fun at the lake.

Just a little preparation can help your kids have a fun time on the lake, and build memories you will cherish for a lifetime.

Whether they are toddlers or teenagers, water safety can start right now!

Here are some water safety tips for parents, big brothers and sisters or anyone keeping an eye on kids at the lake.

 

Near the Water

Imagine a warm summer afternoon. You’re sitting in a lounge chair on your back deck, having some laughs with the family. The smell of barbecue is in the air, the sun is shining off the lake and it’s a gorgeous day.

The water is less than 50 yards away. Everyone’s having a great time – especially your toddler, who is making her way right to the water!

With small children, the most important safety factor is supervision. Even if you are watching them, it’s easy to get distracted. Always keep an eye on your children.

If you have small children, make sure you latch, lock or childproof every possible route between your little one and the water.

As soon as they are old enough, make sure they understand that they are never to go near the water without a parent or adult. Don’t make them afraid of the water! Rather, visit the water with them.

Make sure your kids know to be careful around docks, shorelines, dams and boathouses. One wrong step on a slippery dock can spell disaster.

Consider buying your kids water shoes or boating shoes. These give much more traction than sandals or bare feet, and protect your little ones from rocks, sticks and broken glass.

 

On the Water

Water safety is just as important for boating. Make sure everyone on a boat wears a life perserver, especially children. Many communities mandate the use of life preservers for children on boats less than 30 feet long.

This is good advice, even in calm water. Nearly half of all drownings related to boating happen in calm water. In the vast majority of them, life preservers were in the boat, but not being worn.

It helps to serve as a good example. Wear a life preserver yourself! You don’t have to wear the bulky life preservers of the past, either.

Modern technology has given us smaller, more comfortable life preservers. Many of them lay flat until they hit the water, at which point they inflate automatically. Those which need manual pull-cords to inflate are not recommended for children.

Make sure your child has an appropriately sized life preserver, too. It should close securely around their chest.

If you grip the life preserver securely and lift, this should eventually lift your child. A life preserver that is too loose will slide up around their neck. One that is too tight or small will not close.

Enroll your child in a boating safety course, if you can. Most lake communities have these available for a small fee. A weekend of instruction can not only save your child’s life. You might learn a few things, too!

 

In the Water

According to the CDC, drowning is the leading cause of accidental death for children under the age of four.

If you are supervising kids, make sure you keep an eye on them at all times. Children who are not strong swimmers should have life preservers in the water. Toys such as water wings and pool noodles do not count!

If your kids are in the water, you should be, too. Should your child get in trouble, you need to be right there. It won’t help if you’re busy texting at the shoreline! This is less important if they are strong swimmers, but you still need to be nearby.

Of course, the best way to encourage water safety with your kids is to enroll them in a swimming course. Any child who spends time on the lake should be able to swim, even if they wear a life preserver. This does more than save their lives. It also means they can enjoy the lake, and the water, in every possible way!

Not sure if your child is old enough to learn to swim? If they’re even six months old, they can get started! “Infant swim” classes are becoming more popular nowadays. These programs have decades of research behind them, and are proven to save children’s lives.

Instructors teach children to float, to roll over onto their backs, and not to panic if they fall into the water. Infant swim lessons are not a substitute for parental supervision. They are a last line of defense. They also acclimate children to the water, so they can take proper swimming lessons as they get older.

For more information on infant swim classes, visit infantswim.com or read our Lake Living Basics article for tips on how to teach your kids to swim yourself.

Even if your children can tread water on their own, swim classes are a great summer activity. Most lake communities have places for swim lessons for kids of all ages.

Whatever their interests, your children can be safe near, on, or in the water with just a little preparation. Have fun, stay safe and enjoy the lake!

 

Swimming Safety Tips for Lake Home Owners

Posted on Staff

Every lake home owner should know about swimming safety. As long as you remember these swimming safety tips ,the lake is your best resource for staying cool and relaxing on hot day.

Be Prepared for Swimming Safety

Before swimming in a lake, be sure to find out the depth and terrain of the area you in which you will be swimming so you can prepare accordingly. Some bodies of water my be three feet deep then drop sharply to 20 feet in depth.

swimming safety

Be sure to have enough coast guard- approved life vest for everyone who may need assistance to safely swim. Additionally, when choosing a a life jacket, consider the other water activities you may participate in while wearing it to make sure its the right one for you.

The Personal Flotation Device Manufacturers Association has a full listing and description of approved personal flotation devices (PFD). Additionally, when choosing a a life jacket, consider the other water activities you may participate in while wearing it to make sure its the right one for you.

Aside from floating in water, one must also be prepared for walking around in the shallow areas. To avoid  stepping on unseen items, such as a rock or glass, it is wise to wear swim shoes in the lake.

Learn to Swim

Everyone who lives by the lake should learn how to swim properly. Finding a trained professional for age appropriate swim lessons is crucial to swimming safety.

Enrolling your child in a swim course also allows them to interact with other lake-loving children around their age! But, if classes don’t seem like the best fit, you can always teach them yourself.

Use a Buddy System

Swimming is a sport that is best enjoyed with a friend.

swimming safety

Even the most skilled swimmers can run into unexpected difficulties, such as cramps or sudden fatigue, when swimming in lakes.

As a general guideline, children under 12 should never be around the water alone. Also, be sure to have a sober adult watching children at all times.

Teach Swimming Safety 

Make sure to set specific swimming safety rules around your lake home that apply to all family members and guest. It is a good idea to write these rules out and post them where they can be seen easily.

Teach everyone your rules, and be sure they understand breaking the rules violates their personal safety.

To get started, check out The America Red Cross’ detailed listing of useful tips and rules for safely swimming in lakes during the summer.

Lake Safety – How to Get CPR Certified

Posted on Glenn S. Phillips

Nobody wants to have to deal with emergencies, but let’s face it, they do happen. So, becoming certified in CPR will help prepare you for those emergencies. And, it will give you the opportunity to save somebody’s life.

There are specific steps that you will need to take in order to become certified in CPR. If you follow these steps, you can rest assured that you will be prepared in the event of a dire situation.

Find a Course in CPR

cpr courseThe first thing you will need to do is find a CPR course that suits your schedule. There are CPR classes that are available both in person, and online. Community centers and hospitals typically have on-going classes available to attend.

You can also visit websites such as the American Heart Association, American Red Cross, and the National Safety Council as they offer courses as well.

There are a number of different courses available for beginners as well as for individuals simply looking to refresh their skills. If you are just interested in learning about CPR, the courses are generally about an hour long, but more extensive courses are available.

Refresher Course

As previously mentioned, there are CPR courses that are geared towards individuals who have had their CPR certification in the past, but would like to take a refresher course simply to brush up on their skills. Certifications are typically only good for two years, so make sure that your certification is current and up-to-date.

Time Commitment

Classes will vary in length so make sure to choose wisely. It is important that the class you are taking fits your schedule. Some can be lengthy, while others you can take online at your own convenience. Regardless of which you choose, make sure that you pick one that you have time to commit to.

First Aid Kit

First AidMake sure you assemble a first aid kit for emergency situations. You should also become trained in first aid as well which will help teach you how to prepare a kit. Make sure your kit has the proper bandages and gauze, as well as sanitizer and a list of CPR instructions.

There are a number of emergencies that can occur, other than those that require CPR. Emergencies such as snake bites, cuts, and scrapes. It is always best to be prepared for any and all types of emergencies.

Those are just some basic steps you will need to take in order to become CPR certified. Many courses that are offered are free or are very low cost. You can call your local community center as well as hospitals to obtain more information as to where you can become CPR certified.

Hopefully, this will be a skill that you never have to utilize, but regardless, it is better to be prepared for any situation you may encounter.

20 Items That Belong In Your First Aid Kit

Posted on Glenn S. Phillips

Illnesses and injuries can happen anywhere and run the risk of ruining your lake outing. Making sure you have the right first aid kit can really make a difference in how potential problems are addressed. It is always safe to make sure you are prepared and double check to make sure that you have everything that you need.

You can always pick up a ready made first aid kit from the store, but if you would like a more comprehensive kit that will prepare you for most occasions, read on.

Bandages

Cuts and scrapes can happen anytime and anywhere, especially when you are outdoors hiking the lake or even boating. You must make sure that you have everything you need to bandage up those bumps and cuts. Here are some of the bandage supplies you will need on your camping trip.
• Medical tape
• Pads for blisters
• Sterile gauze
• Adhesive bandages in a variety of sizes such as butterfly bandages and triangular bandages.

Sterilization and Infection Prevention

Those cuts and scrapes that you get can soon become infected if you do not have the proper supplies to prevent that from occurring. Here are a list of items that you will need to take with you on your camping trip that will help prevent you and your family from getting an infection.
• Cotton swabs
• Prep wipes containing alcohol
• Antibacterial cream
• Hand sanitizer to use to clean your hands with before you handle the first aid kit.

Medications

Aches and pain can happen at any time, but are especially common when you are hiking or doing any kind of physical activity. It is important to bring certain over-the-counter medications with you to help relieve pain.
• Pain relievers such as Tylenol, Aleve, or Advil.
• Digestive medication for nausea and diarrhea.
• Allergy medications

Tools and Gadgets

These tools will help you prepare bandages, remove sharp objects such as splinters, and more.
• Scissors
• Tweezers
• Digital thermometer
• Safety pins

Sprays and Creams

You are bound to encounter bugs in the outdoors so it is beneficial that you have the right sprays and creams to keep those bugs away or treat bug bites.
• Anti-itch creams
• Burn relief sprays
• Bug sprays
• Petroleum jelly

Finally, adding a first aid manual to your kit will also help with anything that you may not be sure about. Purchase a large waterproof container to put your first aid supplies in and double check for everything before you go. It is better to be safe than sorry so make sure you have everything you need in case of an emergency.

For a comprehensive list of essential safety items to keep at your home, keep reading here.

Boating Etiquette for Beginners

Posted on Glenn S. Phillips

Boating is a way of life for water lovers, which is why there are certain rules that must be followed to ensure everyone’s safety.

If you’re new to boating, here are some general boating etiquette tips & advice (for both passengers and pilots) you should be aware of to ensure passenger safety, both on and off the water.

Launching and Returning Your Boat

It’s important to launch and return your boat as efficiently as possible.  Other boaters will likely be waiting in or around the ramp or dock, so exercising discretion and care while launching or returning is critically important. Important rules to remember:

  • Become familiar with the procedures of a particular facility ahead of time
  • Prepare your boat by taking off tie-down straps and covers in an out-of-the-way place. Load coolers, tackle, and other gear ahead of time as well
  • Once you have launched, move quickly aside (but not hurriedly) to allow other boaters to do the same

When returning, tie up your boat on the opposite side of the dock so that other boaters may take off while you are retrieving your tow vehicle.

Marina Etiquette

Marina etiquette is an integral part of boating etiquette to pay attention to.  After refueling or loading your boat at the marina, move to a temporary docking station and park if you need to go inside for groceries or other items. Don’t keep others waiting while you take care of business. At the marina, you should also:

  • Keep your area clean and free of debris
  • Assist other boaters who are docking and de-boarding
  • Put carts and other equipment intended for common use back where it belongs when you are finished

Boating Safety On the Water

Boat wakes can cause damage to floating docks, can cause seawall damage, and have even thrown children off floating docks. Keep in mind that you are responsible for your own wake, and should be accountable for any damage you cause by it.

If your wake causes other boaters distress, knocking items (or people) off a dock, you could be held liable for damages or injuries. Be mindful of wake zones at all times and remain in compliance.

When overtaking a boat, allow for as much room as depth conditions allow for. Consider your wake, and slow your speed if necessary to ensure you don’t rock the other vessel. If that vessel is a sailboat, overtake it by passing astern to avoid blocking its wind. If you are the vessel being passed, slow your speed to a reasonable clip to allow the other boater to get around you safely.

Leave plenty of anchorage between yourself and other boaters, especially when carrying multiple passengers or playing loud music. Sound carries much farther on the water, and you want to avoid disturbing your neighbors if at all possible. Avoid traveling between a fishing boat and the bank, even if that watercraft does not appear to be moving.

Rules of Anchoring Your Boat

Boat anchorWhen first entering an anchorage, reduce your speed significantly so as not to create any wake at all. The rules of anchoring deem that the first person into the anchorage is the one who determines the swing radius. Mimic the leader in how you tie off and anchor, and use roughly the same amount of distance between boats.

These boating etiquette rules will go a long way toward ensuring your time on the water is as pleasant as possible. Boating consists of a tight-knit community of individuals, which is why good manners are so important.

How to Store & Maintain Your Personal Flotation Devices

Posted on Glenn S. Phillips
Life jackets laying on lake deck how to properly store personal flotation devices

One of the best safety measures that you can rely on while out on the water is the use of personal flotation devices (PFDs).

A personal flotation device, also referred to as a life jacket or life preserver, is a piece of equipment designed to assist a wearer, who may be either conscious or unconscious, to keep afloat.

In case you’re wondering, you can check your state’s PFD requirements here.

The bottom line is that PFD’s save lives. But, these devices will only work as they should if they are maintained and stored properly between uses.

Here are a few tips on how to store and maintain your personal flotation devices to be sure they’re always ready to go at a moment’s notice.

Cleaning Your Personal Flotation Device

Cleaning products
Photo courtesy of Pexels.

To keep PFDs clean, all you need to do is wipe them down with a solution of mild soap and warm water and then rinse thoroughly.  When cleaning stains from life jackets, use a stiff-bristled brush to gently scrub them away, but avoid using bleach, solvents, or other stain removers. The strong chemicals in these products can break down the materials PFDs are made from, thereby compromising their integrity. When exposed to saltwater, a quick rinse is needed to remove residue before allowing your device to dry.

After washing your PFD, hang it up in the open air away from direct sunlight and leave it there to dry thoroughly before storing it. Never place it in the dryer or near a heat source, as this could cause the vinyl or plastic components to warp or crack. Personal flotation devices should never be dry cleaned.

Inspecting Your Flotation Device

Kid inspecting life jacket
Photo courtesy of Pexels.

Flotation devices should be inspected on a regular basis, preferably before each use. Some of the things you should look for include:

  • Broken or damaged hardware
  • Ripped, torn, or missing webbing
  • Webbing that has become unattached
  • Mold or mildew
  • Rotted material
  • Large rips or tears
  • Oil spills, as this could affect buoyancy

Inflatable vests should also be inspected for:

  • Bobbins and pins that aren’t operating properly
  • Evidence of any corrosion on the CO2 cartridges
  • Nozzles that have not been punctured by the firing needle

It is also a good idea to manually inflate vests from time to time in order to check for leaks. Allow them to remain inflated overnight to be sure they are working properly, and repair or discard any that are not holding air as they should.

Storing PFDs

Storing lifejackets personal flotation device on boat
Photo courtesy of The Hull Truth.

Boating laws typically require that PFD’s are readily accessible to all passengers onboard a vessel.  Make sure that your PFDs are actually taken out of the plastic wrapper they came in prior to use. The U.S. Coast Guard does not consider these devices to be ‘readily accessible’ if they must be unwrapped first. In addition, you must generally carry a throwable device onboard all watercraft that is 16 feet in length or longer.

When you’re not on the water, you should store flotation devices in a cool dry area with adequate ventilation. Avoid placing them in direct sunlight, as UV rays could prove harmful to them. Hang them up whenever possible rather than placing them on a shelf or the bottom of a locker. If hanging them up isn’t possible, make sure heavy objects are not placed on top of them, as this can also cause damage.

Personal flotation devices play an important part in keeping you safe on the water. Although it might seem trivial, properly cleaning, inspecting, and storing your PFD’s will go a long way to make absolutely sure that they are functional and in good working order for when you need them.

Five Reasons Your Lake Home Needs A Landline Phone

Posted on Glenn S. Phillips

Landline phoneThe Chicago Tribune estimates that around 40% of all homes nationwide no longer have a landline phone.

There are still plenty of good reasons to maintain a landline, especially if you own a lake home.

Here are four reasons why you should consider maintaining a landline phone at your lake home.

#1. Works when the power is out

Homes near the lake are susceptible to power outages, which is why it is especially important to install landline phones in them. Should the power go out, you’ll still have a means of communicating with others, and might be able to obtain help much sooner as a result.

#2. No bars, no worries

Cell and VoIP phones are notorious for poor or weak signals and static or tinny echo effects that make it difficult to carry on a conversation. These things can be an even bigger problem near a lake, especially if the lake is in a remote area.

Clarity is never a problem with a landline, so you never have to worry about a lack of cell coverage.

#3. Secure your privacy

The problem with wireless phones is the fact that they can easily be intercepted. This can happen in a number of ways, including:

  • The use of rogue cell phone towers to divert and capture data
  • “Bluejacking”, which involves sending unsolicited information to Bluetooth-enabled devices
  • Hacking of computers in order to “spy” on VoIP phone calls

Cell phone conversations may also be audible by others who are using ham radios, police scanners, and similar devices. Radio equipment like this is often found on boats, making it possible for someone to hear your conversation while cruising past your residence. Landline phones are less penetrable and are far more secure than cell phone technology.

#4.  Provides more reliability for security

Many alarm systems these days must be synced to a landline in order to work properly. The reason why so many security companies require this is because they know how dependable a landline actually is compared to a VOIP or digital phones, which are susceptible in power outages.

First responders can easily pinpoint your location because a landline transmits its address information directly to the dispatcher whenever you call 911.

In the age of cell phones and Internet, there are still plenty of good reasons to maintain a good old-fashioned landline phone, especially in lake homes. Whether you’re looking to buy a lake house or already live on the water, you can benefit from installing a traditional landline, even if you predominantly use other forms of communication.

Child Water Safety Tips to Consider at The Lake

Posted on Glenn S. Phillips

child water safety, wearing life vestLake homes have a timeless appeal for both children and adults, since people of all ages are so wildly attracted to the water.

Keeping everyone safe around the water needs to be a top priority. This is because of potential threats in, and around the lake or any body of water. Drowning is the fifth leading cause of unintentional injury death in the United States.

Ten people die from unintentional drowning in the U.S. every day, and of these ten drownings, two are children aged 14 or younger.

The following is a number of critical child water safety tips that will help to keep your children and your family safe around the lake. Continue reading “Child Water Safety Tips to Consider at The Lake”