As summer approaches, more and more outdoor enthusiasts want to get out on the water and recreate. Arizona offers everything from swimming to rafting to boating to fishing and more. With places like Lake Pleasant in Phoenix to Theodore Roosevelt Lake in Tonto National Forest, it’s easy to get out on the water even in one of the hottest states in the nation.
That said, there are a few preparations to make to ensure you have a safe and fun time on the water. Here’s a few things to remember:
You’ll need a fishing license, and you can get one at azgfd.com.
Pack for the weather. That means to pack plenty of water, some sort of shade tent or umbrella, a hat, sunscreen, and a fully charged cellphone in case of an emergency.
If you plan to set out on a boat, you’ll need a life vest for every person on the boat 12 years and younger.
Make sure your boat is in good working condition and check the weather for any surprise thunderstorms or flooding.
Let someone know where you’ll be. That way if you encounter a problem, they’ll know where to look.
Know your local fishing rules. Depending on the body of water where you fish, some will be catch and release.
Keep a life vest on any small children that go fishing with you, even if you aren’t on a boat. Children can easily slip into the water from the shore, bridges, and docks.
Wear water shoes with thick soles. You never know when someone littered and left behind hooks on the shoreline.
Know when to start…and stop. Fishing is typically best in the cooler hours of the day, which is better for you anyway. Fishing when the sun isn’t as hot can protect you from heat injuries like heat stroke and heat exhaustion.
Take a map. If you’re hiking into a fishing spot, your cellphone might not have enough connection to show you the way. Always pack a map and a satellite phone just in case.
While fishing can be an incredible bonding experience for family and friends, it can also turn to tragedy without the right precautions. Children can easily slip away from caretakers and drown even in shallow water. Boating accidents can happen if the operator isn’t using caution and avoiding drinking alcohol while out on the lake. Heat injuries can happen faster than many people think, made worse by the heat, lack of water and direct sunlight. To prepare for a safe trip, plan ahead.