Until that group of rambunctious guys behind you decide that they can catch any pass that football can make. Except to only realize that they can't, but your face sure knows how to attract those passes, only to spend the rest of your vacation having strangers look at you and your boyfriend wondering why your eye is the color of asphalt and the size of a speed bump. My advice, when laying on the beach, steer clear of these jocks, because chances are, they can't throw or catch as well as they can drink.

If you happen to like salt water and prefer swimming over sunning, keep your eyes open. Shark attacks seem to have been steadily on the rise, although, I don't recall hearing of any so far this year. Don't go too far from shore and if you surf, I don't have many words for you there. Jellyfish can be bothersome little critters too. I recently came back from a sailing trip and a friend of mine actually had jellyfish repellant sunscreen! I didn't know such a thing existed, and I did make fun of him, but if it works, then use it!

I am lucky enough to have great friends with amazing boats. All of their boats are wakeboarding boats, as they are avid wakeboarders. Already, twice this year, I have encountered people with very little respect or very little common sense. I, personally, believe it's the latter. The first incident involved another boat. As we were pulling one of our guys, a boat decides to ride directly behind us, only a couple hundred feet back. Not good.

Another incident involved a jet ski. I understand those who own jet skis (aka waverunners) get the most enjoyment out of jumping wake left by other boats. But don't do it when said boat is pulling someone skiing, wakeboarding or tubing. If someone falls or gets thrown off and you don't see them, the situation could turn nasty real quick. Just ask a mother and daughter in Hamilton County who were jet skiing recently and ran into an innertube that was being pulled by a bigger boat. How could they have done this if they were using any common sense whatsoever? I don't know. My guess, they weren't using any and they now have injuries to show for their ignorance.

I have also read of three deaths in the past week related to water and boating. Two men died after their small fishing boat collided with a much larger vessel. A woman died from injuries sustained in a near drowning after tubing next to a loading/unloading ramp. All of these within Hamilton County limits, not far from home.

In addition, I know that the river can also be a place where friends can get together and have a few drinks to unwind from the work week. Out of respect and safety of all those on board and in the water around you, have a sober operator that can take over the wheel when necessary. Not only do you risk hurting someone else, but you could incur hefty fines, jail time and even lose your operating privileges for a fairly lengthy period.

Main point this summer, stay safe and help keep those around you safe. Please use common sense. And if you happen to be on the Hiwassee, anywhere from above Charleston to Highway 58 bridge, and see any boat pulling a rider, stay clear of it! It'll save my saneness and the extravagant use of words and flailing arms with hand signals.

Stay cool!

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