Butler County is the perfect playground for summer fun.

There are prime opportunities for picnicking, hiking, boating and fishing from small parks such as Preston in Butler Township with its fish-and-release pond and numerous hiking trails to Moraine State Park’s 16,725 acres that include a bike trail, hidden river and places to camp, in addition to Lake Arthur’s recreation opportunities.

But adventurers need to take care to be good guests.

Playing it safe benefits visitors as well as park staff, emergency personnel and police.

Life jackets are essential for boaters, kayakers or paddle boarders — every day, not just during National Safe Boating Week, May 22 to 28.

The Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission reports that about 80% of recreational boating deaths are due to people not wearing a life jacket.

“That life jacket does save lives,” said Mike Shaffer, environmental education specialist at Moraine. “Everybody must have a life jacket, and it must be their size and fit them. It should be kept in arm’s reach, and they should be able to put it on before something bad happens.”

According to the Army Corps of Engineers, most people drown within 20 to 30 feet of safety.

But all life jackets are not the same.

The American Red Cross suggests people choose the proper life jacket for their activity, and children near water should don the protective device.

Even youngsters fishing for the first time can benefit from a life jacket.

So, be a good guest. Follow the rules and guidelines set up by the experts, so everyone can enjoy the sunshine safely.

— DJS