Took this earlier in the summer, a really pretty mid-June sky and some passing boaters

I took some suggestions from a more experienced mask guy in my last post (thanks u/Pawly519 for the feedback, you’re the man) and added some elements to my design! Widened the stripes up top to cover more area, and added the vintage CCM logo over the front modern one and on the sides. Thrilled with how it’s coming along so far, and I still have plenty of vinyl for tweaks here and there!

The vinyl on my mask was looking a little scuffed and chipped after a couple seasons of wear, so I figured it was time for a makeover. The stripes are hand cut adhesive vinyl strips, the pretzel and flames I did with my cricut.

I can’t afford a full paint job, but I CAN afford $30 of vinyl and a few hours on a Tuesday night. Really happy with how it came out this time!

In honor of the start of summer, and considering there have been a minimum of four drownings in the past week down the shore, I wanted to post about ocean safety for visitors (and unfortunately, some locals too).

Lifeguards will not be at most beaches during the weekdays until the last week or so of June or the beginning of July. This is far and away one of the biggest reasons we wind up losing people, swimmers underestimating conditions and overestimating their ability when lifeguards aren’t around.

If there are no lifeguards (and you’re not a skilled frequent surfer with practice and training), STAY OUT OF THE WATER.

Seriously. A strong enough wave can sweep you off your feet if you’re in to your calves or higher pretty much, and if you get pulled into a trough, undertow, or riptide, it can take a turn for the worse fast.

If there are lifeguards, stay in the designated swimming area. There may be a rip current outside of it, or surfers who can’t see you and WILL make you an accidental speed bump.

Don’t climb the jetties at the beach out into where the surf hits them.

If you’re caught in a rip, TRY NOT TO PANIC (easier said than done of course). Swim parallel to the beach until you’re no longer being pulled away from shore, and then paddle with the waves to get back to the beach.

Know what to look for when it comes to swimmers in distress. Drowning people do not look how they’re often portrayed in movies and TV. It’s less “splashing and yelling for help” and more “floating and bobbing, exhausted, just trying to get your head above the surface long enough to breathe before you start to sink back under.”

Most importantly, watch out for each other. Make sure someone knows you’re at the beach, swim with a buddy and only when lifeguards are present, know your personal ability limits when it comes to surf conditions, and keep an eye on other swimmers around you. Get help if someone is in distress, gets pulled out, or if you haven’t seen your buddy who you came with to the beach in a bit. Paying attention and being there for each other can be the deciding factor between coming home safe and a full search-and-recovery to get your body back.