Lake living provides wonderful opportunities for kids to stay entertained and active all summer. And spending hours on the lake will undoubtedly become a treasured childhood memory. As the temperatures creep up, kids spend more time cooling off by the lake. However, water can be dangerous for children if parents and caregivers don’t take proper precautions. In addition to making sure your children are confident swimmers, you can keep kids safe on the lake with these tips:

Always provide adult supervision. Lakes might be shallow near the bank, but steep dropoffs are not far off, and it is often difficult to see the bottom of a lake and determine its depth. Children can unknowingly travel into deeper waters where they can’t reach. It is important to make sure an adult is actively supervising children at all times as they play in and around the lake.

Ask kids to wear foot protection. Lakes can sometimes house jagged rocks or pieces of glass. Make sure children wear shoes when playing on the shore and water shoes when swimming. Lakes can be extraordinary places to explore for children. Allow them to see what they can find without having to worry about stepping on anything dangerous.

Teach kids to recognize hazardous areas. Little arms and legs can suddenly get tangled in lake vegetation. Teach children to be on the lookout for areas with grass or weeds and how to safely shake free if they happen to get caught. Alert your kids to particularly rocky areas and remind them to steer clear of others’ boats and the wakes they leave behind.

Watch the weather. Be sure to check the weather before heading out on the boat or for a swim on the lake. Make children aware that they will need to leave the water at the first sound of thunder and remain inside at least 30 minutes after any lightening ends. Keep in mind that extra windy conditions can create big waves and stir up lake vegetation.

Always wear a lifejacket when boating. Children should always wear a life-vest that fits them when going out on a boat, even if they’re good swimmers. It may also be beneficial to keep a few extras nearby just in case friends are around.

Don’t forget about keeping younger swimmers within arm’s reach at all times. Just like the ocean, swimming in a lake is much different than a pool – colder air and water temperatures, rocks and other natural elements offer less predictable experiences, so make sure to keep your kids within designated swimming sections. Have fun and stay safe!