If you find yourself overheated after paddling this summer, seek shade and a place to rest. Relax in air conditioning and make sure you have plenty of water and electrolytes so you can hydrate while you rest. If you paddle with a buddy make sure you communicate your symptoms and allow them to help you with physical activity. If your symptoms are severe or last many hours, seek medical attention.

Life Jackets only work when you’re wearing them. This might sound like the most obvious statement you’ve ever heard - and it is. But if you paddle around this summer you will almost always find “that guy” paddling with a life jacket strapped to the front of his SUP board, or someone sitting on a life jacket for extra cushion on a rental kayak instead of wearing it. Or a toddler wearing a life vest that is 10 sizes too big.