Lake Safety Tips - How To Avoid Hidden Hazards & Stay Safe

Lakes are fantastic places to enjoy water sports and swimming, however they can be home to some hidden hazards. In order to enjoy your day out on the lake safely, it’s important that you keep in mind the following lake safety tips:

Plan Your Trip

Not all lakes will be safe or suitable for recreational purposes, and so an essential lake safety tip is to do some research before you head out to your chosen location. Where possible, it’s always preferable to swim where there is a lifeguard on duty. Check that the river is safe for your activity and assess the conditions once you arrive at the lake. Does it look clean? Can you see any immediate hazards? If you’re ever unsure about the safety of the lake, don’t go in.

Consider Cleanliness

Another crucial lake safety tip for swimming in lakes is to check how clean the lake is. One of the main risks to look out for is blue-green algae that can emerge in warm, still water over the summer. This can cause skin rashes and allergic reactions. It’s also fatal to dogs. A more serious concern is Weil’s disease. Whilst the risk of getting Weil’s disease is very low, you should always avoid stagnant water and cover cuts with waterproof dressings as a precaution.

Avoid Swimming After Heavy Rainfall

High rainfall can increase the risk of water pollution in lakes through the likes of sewage outfalls, farmland runoff and industrial pollution. It also increases the amount of hazardous debris that might appear in the lake. Aside from increasing pollution, heavy rainfall can also cause the depth of the lake to rise to unsafe levels.