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Ohio Department of Natural Resources - Safety
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Make Safety a Part of Your Outdoor Adventure

A fun day outdoors often includes family, friends, and clear skies. But the most essential item to bring along is safety. The Ohio Department of Natural Resources offers Ohioans these easy summer safety tips:


safetySafety Tips for All Outdoors Adventurers

  • Check the forecast and have a plan if severe weather strikes
  • Let someone know where you are going, when you leave and when you plan to return
  • Bring an adequate supply of water and a cell phone for emergencies
  • Be courteous to your fellow outdoors enthusiasts
  • Follow posted rules and regulations

campingCamping

  • Only camp in designated areas
  • Build campfires within the fire ring – never leave a fire unattended
  • Use caution around campfires and keep an extra close eye on children
  • Have a well-supplied first aid kit
  • Set boundaries for young people and remind them to use the buddy system.

swimmingSwimming

  • Only swim in designated areas at beaches, lakes, and pools
  • Keep a sharp eye on young children in and around the water
  • Avoid swimming alone – use the buddy system
  • Enjoy the fun that water offers, but take regular breaks
  • Alcohol and swimming do not mix.

canoeingBoating

  • Always wear a lifejacket – make sure those on children are properly fitted and secured
  • Follow the nautical "rules of the road"
  • Never mix alcohol and boating
  • Stay within the limit of the boat's maximum carrying capacity
  • Keep an eye on the sky for bad weather; be alert to open water conditions and avoid fast-moving water

hikingHiking

  • Stay on the designated trail
  • Get an early start to avoid the heat of the day – don’t overexert yourself
  • Carry ample amounts of water and some snacks
  • Bring along a small first aid kit, sun block and insect repellent
  • Each hiker should carry a trail map marked with a designated meet up spot in case anyone gets separated from the group

bikingBiking

  • Always wear a helmet
  • Stick to the trail
  • Keep an eye out for holes, dips, rocks or other trail obstructions
  • Pass others with care; and ride at a controlled speed
  • Ride with a friend

fishingFishing

  • Don’t fish in areas where it is not permitted
  • Use caution when casting and baiting and removing hooks
  • Handle fish carefully
  • Apply sunscreen and bug spray; wear a hat to ward off the sun and hooks during a stray cast
  • Wear a lifejacket if fishing from a boat

all terrain vehiclesAll-Terrain Vehicle (ATV)

  • Wear protective headgear and eye protection
  • Drive an ATV that is age and size appropriate
  • Supervise riders younger than 16 years of age
  • Stay on designated trails and drive at a safe speed
  • Take a safety course (ATVSafety.org)