How to Stay Safe on the Water While Social Distancing

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(Newswire.net — April 30, 2020) —

With the pandemic that is taking place right now, it is being recommended that people stay a good distance away from one another while in public. Many states are telling citizens to stay home if they do not have essential business to take care of, but some are allowing people to go out and about for exercise and relaxation. If you are someone who enjoys taking your kayak  out on the water, you might be wondering what the social distancing guidelines mean for you. While some areas have put restrictions on kayaking and other water entertainment, there are many areas where you are still allowed to go out in your kayak, canoe, or boat. It is important for you to know how to practice social distancing while going out on the water.

 

Only Go with Your Own Household:

 

If you are going to spend time in your canoe, kayak, or boat, do not plan a big get-together on the water at this point in time. You are supposed to be staying away from those who do not live with you, and you should plan on spending time with your family only when enjoying the water. Even if you would normally get your friends on the water with you, avoid doing that right now.

 

Watch for Others on the Water and Keep a Good Distance from Them

 

When you are out on the water, you need to watch for those who are kayaking or canoeing near you. Don’t let them come up right next to you and your spot in the water. If you get to a body of water and you notice that the beach and water are crowded, you want to stay away from that body of water. Find a new place to spend time, where there will be less people around and where you will be able to put social distancing into practice.

 

Let Others Use the Dock and Boat Landing Before You:

 

If you are at a lake and you are about to take your boat out, look for others who might be looking to use the dock or boat landing. If someone else seems prepared to take their own boat out, be kind and let them go before you. Do not attempt to go at the same time as them, as this will put you too close to them.

 

Do Not Touch Your Face While on the Water:

 

Be careful about not touching your face while you are out in public. You will not think about all of the things that you have touched while you are out in your boat, but you may have germs on your hands that will make your sick if you touch your face without washing up.

 

Consider Wearing a Mask While Getting On and Off the Water:

 

You might not want to wear a mask while you are out on the lake and taking a break from life, but you should consider wearing some type of a face covering while you are getting your boat out onto the lake. You should have a face covering on when you are getting your boat into the water so that you do not spread any possible germs that you might have with those people who are around you.

 

You Can Stay Safe and Use the Water While Social Distancing:

 

If you find peace when you take your boat or kayak out on the water, see if you can do that during this pandemic. Check the rules in your area to see if you will be allowed to go to the park and go out on the water as long as you follow social distancing guidelines. Be careful to keep a good distance between you and those people around you while you are accessing the water, and take some time to relax and forget your stresses while you are out on the water.