Evergreen Issue 15
Safety and Fun Go Together on the Water
- FEATURE: Four simple ways to stay safe on the water this summer.
- EXPLORE: Waterfalls and Singletrack in Transylvania County
- SPOTLIGHT: Explore Elkin’s E&A Rail Trail.
- SPOTLIGHT: Help preserve land in Boone.
- SPOTLIGHT: Person County is growing trails.
- SPOTLIGHT: Find adventure and stewardship in the Northern OBX.
FEATURE
Easy ways that safety can enhance your water-based adventures this summer.
Lake Norman is huge. Located 30 miles north of Charlotte, Lake Norman boasts 32,500 acres of open water and hidden coves, which are punctuated by sandy beaches for swimming and banks for fishing. And that’s just one lake. North Carolina has over 30 major lakes and reservoirs for boaters and swimmers to explore across the state, not to mention thousands of miles of river, countless waterfalls and 320 miles of the Atlantic Ocean.
The volume of water-based adventures in the Tarheel State is staggering, whether you want to navigate one of our designated river trails, try your hand at surfing, or swim in a pool beneath a gorgeous waterfall. Regardless of the adventure you choose, safety is a priority when you’re on the water. Practicing good safety habits is also a key element to practicing good stewardship, as a safe adventure on the water means you’re less likely to need a rescue, which means less worry and more fun! Plus, it reduces the overall impact of your adventure.
Here are four simple ways you can stay safe when you’re on the water in NC this summer.
Remember the pfds
Having the right gear is an integral part of planning ahead and preparing for your adventure, and when you’re on the water, that means bringing a PFD (personal flotation device). Even if you’re a good swimmer, having a PFD on when you’re paddling a river or lake will help ensure your safety if you inadvertently get tossed from the boat, and minimize the likelihood that you’ll need a rescue. And if you’re enjoying a lake in a motorized boat, remember to bring a PFD for every person in the boat.
Know your limits
There are a variety of exhilarating rivers in NC, from mellow slow water cruises like the High Country’s New River to high adrenaline class V roller coasters like the Cheoah River in Graham County. Being honest about your paddling abilities is the first step to choosing the right adventure for you. Target a river that’s within your skill level, and if you’re unsure of your abilities on the water, go with a professional guide. The same principle applies to the ocean. When you’re at the beach, choose an area that’s staffed with lifeguards and stay within the sight line of that guard.
Adhere to advisories
Lifeguards at NC’s beaches monitor the currents and conditions of the ocean and let beachgoers know about the conditions with different colored warning flags. Yellow flags indicate medium hazard conditions and red flags indicate a high hazard. Know the warning colors and adhere to the advisories so you can swim safely on the shore.
Knowing the conditions of lakes and rivers is also important when you’re looking to take a swim. The WaterKeepers Alliance operates a swim guide that lets you know if the river, lake or swimming hole you’re hoping to visit is safe for swimming.
If you’re swimming or boating in a lake, be sure to mind posted notices that separate boat traffic from swimming areas, and be mindful of no wake zones. Regardless of where you’re planning to take a dip, never swim alone.
Remember the waterfalls are wild
The waterfalls found throughout the mountains of NC are absolutely stunning. They’re also wild and unpredictable and best explored with safety in mind. Rocks in and around the water are slippery, so when you’re navigating the river bed, maintain three points of contact, with your hand acting as a brace to help keep you from slipping. Most importantly, never swim, play or take photos at the top of a waterfall. Get your scenic shots from below, where there’s no chance of slipping and falling over the edge. Also, when you’re traveling to and from the waterfall, remember to follow Outdoor NC Leave No Trace principles by staying on established trails, which is help keep you safe and protect the understory surrounding the trail.
outdoor nc leave no trace tips for staying safe on the water
Tip #1: Keep Wildlife Wild
Turtles, fish, beaver, otter, salamanders…NC’s waterways are packed with a variety of iconic species. Do your part to keep their habitat stress free by giving these animals space and keeping your noise levels low as you explore our rivers and lakes. Packing out all of your trash, even fruit peels, will also ensure the food systems of these local animals aren’t compromised. And preserve the habitats of smaller creatures like mussels, crawfish and salamanders by leaving rocks in place.
Tip #2: Plan Ahead & Prepare
Packing (and wearing) a PFD is a good start to planning ahead and preparing for your adventure, but it’s not the only step. Know water levels and the regulations of the body of water you’re planning to explore. Does the land manager allow fishing? Do they allow swimming? Know the put in and take out points if you’re going to paddle a water trail, and know the approach trail if you’re visiting a waterfall. Don’t forget to bring maps, food and extra layers in case conditions change. These small steps will help keep you safe, enhance your enjoyment, and ensure that your impact on the resource is minimal.
Tip #3: Be Considerate of Others
There are a variety of ways to enjoy a day at the beach, river or lake, and being considerate of others and remembering that we’re all out there trying to enjoy NC’s beauty will help ensure everyone has a good time. If you’re swimming in the ocean or a lake, be considerate of others by giving other swimmers space, and never swim where people are fishing. If you’re paddling one of NC’s awesome water trails, keep your conversations and music low so as not to disturb other boaters, and give them space so they can navigate the river safely at their own pace.
spotlight
Waterfalls and Singletrack in Transylvania County
Nestled in the Blue Ridge Mountains, Transylvania County is known as the “Land of Waterfalls” thanks to the 250 falls cascading through the lush forests. And you can visit most of them thanks to the 1,000 miles of hiking trails that traverse 110,000 acres of public land within the county. That bounty of public land preserves the headwaters of the French Broad River, as well as 350 miles of singletrack, making the area a popular destination with bikers, paddlers and anglers. And locals in Transylvania County take pride in caring for the outdoor spaces that so many enjoy with forward thinking initiatives like Transylvania Always, which has invested more than $600,000 through local sustainability grants over the last decade. Visitors can participate in local stewardship too by learning about the impact we all have on public land through the county’s Leave It Better campaign.
spotlight
Explore Elkin's E&A Rail Trail
The expansion of railroads played a significant role in shaping North Carolina in the late 19th century, connecting communities across the state. Now, the small foothills town of Elkin is using that rail infrastructure to enhance the quality of life of locals and visitors alike by converting a former rail line into a greenway where walkers, runners and bikers can cruise along the Big Elkin Creek for three miles. Pick up the Elkin and Alleghany Rail Trail in Elkin Municipal Park and keep an eye out for trail markers that detail local history. A stroll on the E&A is the perfect way to learn more about Elkin while enjoying the local landscape.
spotlight
help preserve land in boone
The mountain town of Boone is known for its access to the High Country’s gorgeous peaks, and the Blue Ridge Conservancy has been preserving those mountains for more than four decades. The local non-profit works to protect fragile ecosystems and connect communities through trails, like the Middle Fork Greenway, which connects several pocket parks. And volunteers play a key role in the Conservancy’s stewardship efforts, which means you can be a part of the success by helping to maintain trails, removing invasive plants or even offering to photograph conserved lands.
spotlight
Person County is Growing Trails
The Piedmont’s Person County understands the power of community-driven stewardship. Local efforts have turned Roxboro Rotary Centennial Park into an outdoor destination where visitors can explore the woods through a growing system of hiking and mountain biking trails as well as a paved, ADA-accessible loop. Local organizations, dedicated school groups and community volunteers have helped design, build and maintain these trails, ensuring a high-quality experience as well as long-term sustainability through responsible land use and ongoing trail care. The park is a place where both adventure and conservation go hand in hand.
spotlight
Find Adventure and Stewardship in the Northern OBX
Wild beauty thrives in the Northern Outer Banks, and visitors can help keep it that way. Take the legendary Corolla Wild Horses, a herd of Spanish mustangs that have roamed the shoreline for centuries. If you take a guided tour that partners with the Corolla Wild Horse Fund, you’ll get a safe, respectful viewing experience while also supporting efforts to protect the herd for generations to come. Pair that tour with simple actions, like packing out trash and filling holes in the sand, and you can help preserve the magic of the Northern Outer Banks every time you visit.
You’re invited to join the outdoor nc movement
Join the movement to preserve and protect North Carolina’s beloved outdoor spaces and you’ll be entered to win a getaway to North Carolina! Together we can preserve our beloved outdoor spaces for generations to come. Click to learn more.