April 16, 2014 THE VILLADOM TIMES I • Page 17 Safety tips for those planning to enjoy the outdoors Outdoor enthusiasts, including kids attending summer camp, typically cannot wait to get outside and make the most of a beautiful day. But in their haste to enjoy the great outdoors, they can easily overlook safety precautions that protect them from potential hazards. Though it is easy to get excited about a sunny day, it is important to take safety seri- ously. No matter the activity, always bring adequate sunscreen to protect skin from the sun, and remember to bring enough water to stay hydrated throughout the day. Additional safety techniques follow. Cycling: Cyclists must always be on alert for those with whom they are shar- ing the road. While many motorists respect cyclists, there are some who see cyclists as a nuisance, and such motorists may drive recklessly around cyclists in an attempt to scare them off the road. Cyclists are often at the mercy of motorists, so it pays to stay as attentive as possible. Never listen to an MP3 player or another music player while riding a bike. Such a distraction could prove deadly if it takes your attention away from the road. Alertness is important when cycling, as are the following precautionary measures: Always wear a helmet and reflective clothing that makes it easy for motorists to see you. Obey the traffic laws. Always ride with traffic. Inspect your bicycle and address any mechanical issues before each ride. Hiking: When the weather permits, few activities combine the benefits of physical activity with the aesthetic appeal of nature as well as hiking does. Hikers should never hike on poorly developed trails or trails that are too difficult for them to handle, and they should have at least a basic under- standing of the symptoms of altitude sick- ness. Always share your route with friends or family members before embarking on a hiking trip. This protects you if you should get lost or injured and you need a rescue team to find you. Hikers should also pack the following supplies before hitting the trails: • Compass • Flashlight and extra batteries • Whistle and signal mirror • Map of the park that includes the trails you plan to hike • Waterproof matches • First aid kit • Blanket Inline skating and skateboarding: Inline skating and skateboarding are popular activities. Keep in mind that even seasoned skateboarders and veteran inline skaters have suffered broken bones or head injuries while skateboarding or skating. Proper attire is essential for skaters and skateboarders hoping to prevent injury, so be sure to wear the following gear the next time you hit the half-pipe or go skating by the boardwalk: • Helmet • Knee pads • Wrist guards • Elbow pads Water sports: Water attracts the sun, so it is imperative that anyone planning to spend ample time on or around the water take steps to protect their skin. Wear appropriate clothing and apply sunscreen with a mini- mum sun protection factor of 15. If you plan to entering the water, always enter feet first and do your best to avoid swimming alone. When you employ the buddy system while swimming, you ensure there is someone there to help should or to alert lifeguards or other safety personnel should something go awry. If you to plan to fish on a boat, let your loved ones staying behind on land know where you plan to fish so they can share this information with authorities if your boat has problems or you don't return on time. While on the boat, always wear a flotation device and make sure the boat is not run- ning as you board and dismount.