LITTLE ROCK, Ark. — If you live in the Natural State, then you know that there are many activities to do that involve the outdoors. With Memorial Day weekend right around the corner and a few storms in the forecast, safety is a top priority for people in Arkansas.
"Anytime you're going outdoors, just do your homework beforehand, know the weather forecast, keep an eye on the skies," said Doug Shackelford, the Public Affairs Officer for Central Arkansas Water. "We have several recreational opportunities out at Lake Maumelle, specifically, fishing, and boating, then we have hiking trails around the lake on both the north side and the south side."
He said that when approaching a busy weekend there are several safety precautions everyone should know before heading out on the water.
"We always tell people to wear their life jackets just in case a little storm may pop up in the distance and that wind really picks up and you're trying to get your boat back to shore," he added.
These safety tips can also apply to people on land as they see a good number of people who use the trails during the warmer months.
"If you're hiking just know where you are, how close you are to a place where you could maybe find some shelter, and just have that phone next to you and be monitoring the weather throughout so that you will not get caught off guard," Shackelford explained.
Xavier Heard was out on Lake Maumelle and has been an avid fisherman since 1981. He explained how he takes outdoor safety very seriously.
"I always think about safety first because you know, we don't want to get hurt but these boats go so fast and you got to be careful," Heard added.
He also said if a storm does come while he is on the lake, he knows what to do and what safety measures to take.
"If you hear the lightning and thunder, get off the water. [It's] just plain and simple because the rods can be conductors and the boat is the highest thing in the water, which is dangerous," Heard described.
Officials at Central Arkansas Water also want to remind everyone that the public is not allowed to swim at Lake Maumelle, since it is considered a drinking water reservoir.