COLUMBUS, OH -- Spring's first sunny days bring out the fun in Ohio State Parks. And the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) urges park visitors to make their outdoor adventures even more enjoyable by observing a few simple health and safety rules.
HIKERS, MOUNTAIN BIKERS, HORSEMEN
Ohio's 74 state parks offer more than 1,000 miles of trails for hiking and other activities. Hikers should remain on marked trail ways, bring plenty of drinking water and wear sturdy, comfortable shoes. Wearing hats, long-sleeved shirts, long pants and socks in light colors reduces a hiker's risk of sunburn and exposure to poison ivy, poison sumac and biting insects.
Ohio State Parks offer about 200 miles of trails for mountain biking in 19 parks. Mountain bikers are urged to always wear helmets and other safety equipment and to remain on designated trails with their bikes.
While many insect bites are a nuisance, others can be the source of illness. Hikers and riders, especially those traveling through densely wooded areas, are encouraged to apply insect repellant with DEET of no more than 30 percent for adults and 15 percent for children.
If contact with poison ivy or sumac occurs (poison oak doesn't grow in Ohio), washing the affected area with soap and water as soon as possible will help keep the irritating oil from spreading.
Many species of wildlife, including white-tailed deer, wild turkey, black bears and river otters are making a comeback in Ohio's woodlands. And Canada geese are thriving on lakes and in shoreline areas. All wildlife is best observed and appreciated at a distance. Park visitors should never touch or feed the wild animals or waterfowl they encounter or attempt to keep them as pets. Bear sightings should be reported to a park ranger or, by phone, to 1-800-WILDLIFE.
Snakes should always be left alone. Poisonous snakes are rare in Ohio and tend to shy away from human contact. However, anyone suffering snakebite should seek professional medical help immediately.
SWIMMERS
More than 4 million swimmers and sunbathers visited Ohio's 76 state park beaches last year. Many thousands more enjoyed the 17 swimming pools found in park lodges and campgrounds. Beach visitors should swim only in designated areas, always keep an eye on children, and rely on a "buddy system" for added safety while in the water. Sunbathers should wear sunglasses and liberal amounts of sunscreen. Water reflection intensifies the sun's effects and can lead to severe burns in a short time.
BOATERS
Alcohol use is a leading cause of boating accidents in Ohio. Boating sober and remembering to wear a life jacket are the two safest ways to enjoy Ohio State Parks' 80,000 acres of lakes and streams. Summer storms can come up quickly. It's always a good idea to keep an eye on the weather or carry a weather radio when on the water in Ohio.
GOLFERS
Summer lightning storms can present a special problem to golfers on Ohio's six state park courses and to other park visitors. Buildings, campers and cars are the best places to seek shelter in a lightning storm. Standing under a tree is especially dangerous since trees attract lightning.
CAMPERS
The 57 family campgrounds in Ohio State Parks hosted 2.5 million visitors last year. Camping remains one of the most popular park activities. Observing good campground "etiquette" means using the fire rings and picnic tables provided and keeping campsites tidy and free of standing containers of water where mosquitoes can breed.
Keeping camper screens and tents in good repair and free of holes and tears also helps reduce the incidence of insect bites. Electric bug "zappers" are largely ineffective either at home or in a campground and generally attract more mosquitoes than they kill.
Ohio State Parks recorded nearly 57 million visits last year, with more expected this year. By observing these basic health and safety rules, visitors can enhance their outdoor adventures and make every park visit a safe and pleasant family memory.