Lake Tip Thursday September 15th
Don’t Leave Home Without These Lake Day Essentials
It's so much fun going to the lake. As with everything else we do, we have to be prepared before we go to ensure we enjoy ourselves and have everything we need. It’s a bad feeling to get to your boat or lake destination only to realize you left something behind.
Here is a checklist to follow:
Life Jackets... the most important of them all..even if you are not getting on a boat, just to be in the water(especially if you have kids with you)
Sunscreen Lotion... no matter your complexion. All of our skin can burn. Here is a link to the lotion I use. It’s made for people of color. Since using it, I haven’t had a problem with burning, and best of all it’s not super greasy or smelly. EXTRASHADE
Water.Drinks... It’s a hot summer day, water goes without saying. You must stay hydrated. If you buy sodas, remember you can get the smaller cans. They are good to have; they keep you from wasting soda and you don’t drink as much..which is always a good thing.
Paper Towels, Plasticware, Paper Plates, Cups... All of these items are a must!! I mean who wants to wash dishes after a long day in the sun? NOT ME! I live by these items. Get the good sturdy stuff. Cheaper is not always better. I am a Sams Club girl, I keep a stock of these items at all times. If you have a boat or visit the lake often, you probably should too. Bring enough to ensure you don’t run out.
Food... If you are going for a few hours or a few days, you are going to need food. It can be as simple as fruit, veggies and sammies, or some grilled items. Go to my recipe section for some yummy recipes to enhance your lake day eating. All the foods can be cooked earlier and simply reheated on the grill.
Snacks... I am a snacker. This is a must for me. Chips, cookies, pretzels, fruit, nuts and popcorn. These are all my favorites. If we go out on the water, I will have at least 3 of these items in my bag. Be sure when you choose your snack, you have somewhere cool to keep the items that need to stay cool. Try not to bring chocolate, it can get messy with the heat.
Towels....Where there is water you must have towels.. Be sure to bring a couple extra and a plastic bag to put the wet ones in after use.
Extra Clothes… Always throw an extra shirt and shorts in your bag. You never know if your other clothes may get wet or sand on them. Its important to have that extra outfit, you just never know if you may need them…
First Aid Kit.… it doesn’t have to be large, but you do want to have one in your bag. Incidents do happen, even out on the water or on the boat. Best to always be prepared.
Small Camping Lantern... great little lantern if you are out on the water at night, or camping out. You need a few of these.
Wipes.Hand Sanitizer… since you may not have access to clean water while out on the boat or at the lake, you need to have these (2) items. Another item I use while out is a Collapsible Drink Dispenser. It has a spigot, I add water to it. That way, while we are out on the pontoon we have access to clean water to wash our hands. It's collapsible, when not in use it does not take up a lot of space.
Sunglasses... Be sure to have a couple pairs of shades..in case one is misplaced.
Music... Goes without saying. Can't have a gathering without your favorite music. Create your own playlist if you like. Be sure to bring a portable speaker.
Float.Toys...These items are essential if you have kids. Most adults, me included, love to glide on top of the water on a comfortable float. Be sure to have your air pumps with you. Most need to be plugged in, there are some that are battery operated, they tend not to be as strong.
Common Sense... I should have listed (2) number 1 items. This is just as important as a life jacket. Please be mindful on the water. It only takes 1 mistake and your day, or someone else's day or life could be derailed. Respect the water.
