Spending time on the water provides rejuvenation, rehabilitation, and healing for people, families, and communities. Whether it’s fishing, boating, or swimming, F4V reminds everyone to stay safe during water recreation. To have a relaxing and safe experience follow these tips below:

1. Always check the forecast before you head out.

2. Always handle fishing tackle responsibly. It is no fun removing a treble hook from the body. Consider removing the barbs from hooks for easier removal from both fish and people.

3. Make sure to look behind you before each cast so your hook will not catch a power line, tree, or another person.

4. Do not leave your tackle lying on the ground. Someone may trip and fall on it, step on a hook, or break your tackle. Left behind tackle is a danger to others

5. Keep fishing knives sharp and cover the blade when not in use.

6. Always remove hooks and lures from your line when not fishing and store them in your tackle box while transporting equipment.

7. Shoes should always be worn whether fishing on shore, in a boat, or wading in the water. Major cuts and subsequent infections can occur very easily.

8. Make sure all required equipment including a first-aid kit and life jackets are in the car and boat before going fishing.

9. Do not use drugs or drink alcohol when boating. Over half of all drowning victims were using alcohol or drugs.

10. Operate boats at a safe speed at all times, especially in crowded areas and steer clear of large vessels that can be restricted in their ability to stop or turn. Be aware of water depth and unexpected shallow water hazards.

11. Familiarize yourself with the area first before entering the water. Read all of the signs and rules. Respect private property boundaries.

12. Check the water temperature; any temperature below 70 degrees should be treated with caution if entering the water without a wetsuit, you may run the risk of hypothermia.

13. Never swim, wade, or access any water feature alone. There is safety in numbers and always keep an eye on your fellow swimmers, especially children. Never dive into unknown waters.

14. If a current looks quick, it is. Be careful, exercise caution, and be smart about deciding whether to get in the water. If caught in current always keep your feet up, off the bottom and in front of you to avoid getting trapped in water hazards.

15. If you get caught in a rip current, your best bet is to save energy by riding the current until it weakens, then swim out of it by swimming parallel (vs directly) to the shore.