Questions people ask
What shoes should I wear at the lake?
OutdoorGearLab says a breathable, quick-draining shoe usually fits pool and lake days best. Lakeshores can be rocky or slick, so look for a flexible sole with good grip. If you'll be in cold lake water, it suggests insulation or room for a neoprene sock.
Can I use a pool float on a lake or river?
Check what it's built for. Outdoor Life says budget tubes generally use less durable materials and are usually a poor choice for wild waterways, and lightweight kid-themed tubes aren't suited to river tubing or rough water. It says no inner tube is a proper alternative to a PFD for kids who can't swim well, all require constant adult supervision, and you should wear a PFD in faster-moving water. Its river pick is the NRS Big River. A float or mat doesn't replace a Coast Guard-approved life jacket for anyone.
Which life jacket should I pick for a lake day?
OutdoorGearLab's top vests here are the budget Stohlquist Fit and the low-profile Astral YTV 2.0. It says inflatable belts are only for strong swimmers in sheltered waters, and they need rearming after each inflation, so choose a foam vest if you expect to get wet often. Check the label for the Coast Guard type, and wear it on the water.
