Going Fishing
June 6-14 is National Fishing and Boating Week – the perfect chance to get outside, enjoy nice weather and connect with nature! The benefits of spending time outside are well known. Adults and children who spend time outdoors benefit from better mental focus and attention; “green” exercise in a natural setting can reduce anxiety, anger and depression; and there is growing evidence that spending time outdoors can improve attentional function in children with attention deficit disorder (ADD).
Viewer Tip: Get outside and have fun! Remember these simple tips to stay safe and healthy while fishing or boating in warm weather.
- Protect your skin. Water reflects sunlight, which can increase the amount of UV reaching your skin. Wear sunscreen and lightweight, light-colored clothing.
- Cover your head and your toes. Wear a hat and sunglasses to protect your eyes from glare, and sturdy shoes to protect your feet from sharp rocks. If you are in a boat, wear shoes that will prevent you from slipping.
- Be prepared for all kinds of weather. Check your local forecast, and bring a jacket or sweater for cool mornings and evenings. Bring rain gear along, too.
Visit the Recreational Boating and Fishing Foundation’s Take Me Fishing website for information about getting a fishing license, finding family-friendly fishing spots and locating hot-spots for specific kinds of fishes. Also find tips to help you be a responsible angler and boater.
Season: Summer
(Sources: C. Charles, R. Louv, L. Bodner, and B. Guns. January 2008. “Children and Nature 2008: A Report on the Movement to Reconnect Children to the Natural World.” The Children and Nature Network, http://www.cnaturenet.org/uploads/CNMovement.pdf; Wells, N. and Lekies, K. “Nature and the Life Course: Pathways from Childhood to Adult Environmentalism.” Children, Youth and Environments 16(1), 2006. http://www.colorado.edu/journals/cye/16_1/16_1_01_NatureAndLifeCourse.pdf; National Environmental Education Foundation, Health and Environment Program. “Fact Sheet: Children’s Health and Nature.” http://www.neefusa.org/assets/files/NIFactSheet.pdf; Recreational Boating and Fishing Foundation, Take Me Fishing – Fishing in Warm Weather. http://www.takemefishing.org/assets/downloads/fishing_in_warm_weather.pdf)
