Wazzup Pilipinas!?
Water sports are exciting
activities to engage in, especially during summer. These sports give a
next-level thrill that you cannot find on land. They’re so popular that there
are even sports betting sites with slots for water sports. The IRS requires betting
companies to deduct 24% of total winnings and submit as gambling
winnings taxes. However, these sports
are associated with some level of risk. To keep enjoying the sports, understanding
various equipment and how to keep yourself safe is essential.
Understanding the Dangers That Come with Water Sports
Drowning is one of the
leading causes of death in water sports. When you are at a beach, pool, or
lake, ensure you practice the following swimming precautions:
- Learn CPR techniques so you can
deal with any emergencies.
- If you don’t know how to swim, don’t get into the
water.
- Always have company when swimming.
- Do not swim while drunk.
- Ensure you can always spot a lifeguard while in
the water.
- Carry safety gear such as flashlights, toolbox,
and maps.
- Avoid restricted areas and obey warning
signs.
It is vital to understand
water sports equipment and how it works. Some widely used gear includes dry and
wet suits, snorkel masks, life jackets, water skis, canoes, and wake
surfers.
Dry and Wet Suits
Drysuits keep you dry while
in the water or on the surface. They are made of waterproof and breathable
fabric to prevent overheating. The suits are watertight and waterproof, hence
keeping all the water out and keeping the body warm. Drysuits also come fitted
with purge valves to let out any water that might have gotten in.
Wet suits, on the other hand,
retain your body’s heat, hence providing thermal
protection. They preserve the body’s
heat through the suit’s material and a thin layer of water that make up a
protective barrier that allows your body to stay warm for a long time. These
suits come in varying thicknesses. The thicker the suit, the more warmth it can
retain.
Life Jackets
Life jackets are essential to
avoid drowning, hence saving your life. They come in handy in moments of disaster,
whether you are a skilled swimmer or not. The jackets are available in
different fits and keep you warm while in the water.
Snorkel Masks
A full-face snorkeling mask
comes in handy when snorkeling due to several reasons. First, the mask helps to
keep water out of your face and provides better visibility. Secondly, it allows
normal breathing hence keeping you calmer.
Water Skis
Waterskiing is fun and
exciting but can be dangerous if not done carefully. To avoid injury, revisit
the hand signals between you and the boat operator. Also, avoid skiing at
extreme speeds if you are not used to it. To prevent any accidents, remember to
inspect your gear before you set out.
Canoes
Canoeing can be relaxing and
fun, but it is also important to remember some safety tips on your next
canoeing trip. Always carry life jackets and avoid jerky movements to prevent
the canoe from flipping over. Also, avoid rocks and always stay low to avoid
losing balance.
Wakesurfers
You can consider trying wake
surfing if you haven’t already. But while you are on it, avoid high speeds if
you are not used to wake surfing. Also, go for a clear spot to avoid collisions
with other boats.
Final Thoughts
While water sports can be
thrilling, they can result in dangerous accidents that can sometimes turn
fatal. To avoid this, ensure you always familiarize yourself with water sports
equipment before you set out. Also, as a general rule of thumb, consult a
professional before using these water sports equipment.
Ross is known as the Pambansang Blogger ng Pilipinas - An Information and Communication Technology (ICT) Professional by profession and a Social Media Evangelist by heart.
