• Wear a life jacket – Be sure to wear Coast Guard-approved life jackets. 
• Avoid alcohol – Whether boating, waterskiing or riding personal watercraft, alcohol greatly increases the risks of an accident, regardless of whether the operator or passengers are drinking. Alcohol influences balance, coordination and judgment, and its effects are magnified by the summer sun and heat.According to the Coast Guard, where the primary accident cause is known, alcohol use is the leading known contributing factor in nearly 16 percent of all fatal boating accidents. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates alcohol use may be involved in nearly 70 percent of deaths associated with water recreation.
• Use the buddy system if swimming – Make sure someone knows where you are at all times and know the water terrain. Scan swimming areas for drop-offs, and be aware of hidden obstacles in the water.
• Watch for rip tides – Rip tides can occur along any coastline. Signs of a rip tide include discolored or foamy water that moves in a narrow channel away from the shore. If you find yourself caught in a rip tide, remember to swim parallel to shore until you’re outside the current, when you can swim back in
• Be Aware of Dehydration – Perhaps the most unrecognized danger to water skiers and personal watercraft riders is dehydration. This is especially common when riding on salt water. Water skiing and riding personal watercraft can be a vigorous physical activity, and it is possible to lose a great deal of water without realizing it. When a person becomes dehydrated, reaction time and awareness are impaired.
• Don’t Let Cool Summer Winds Fool You – Cooling winds on the water can convince water skiers, personal watercraft riders or boaters that they are not receiving much direct sunlight. This is false, and many people sustain skin damage from sunburns.

A divorce may stir up a lot of emotions, which makes ending your marriage one of the most stressful events that may occur in your life. On top of the emotional stress, you may also be faced with financial concerns now that you are on your own. It’s important to stand on your own two feet after a divorce, but it can be difficult to do this if you have a low credit score. Unfortunately, many people start the next chapter in their lives with a low credit score because they did not make an effort to protect themselves during the divorce. Don’t let this happen to you. Protect your credit during a divorce with these tips:

Close joint credit card accounts.

If you currently have credit cards issued in both of your names, it’s important to close these immediately after filing for divorce. It’s possible that your spouse may take revenge on you by charging thousands of dollars to the card, or purposely missing payments. Even if he was the one who did this, it will be reported to the credit bureau in both of your names, which will harm your credit score.

Remove your spouse as an authorized user.

Your spouse’s name may not be on the credit card account, but he may be listed as an authorized user with your credit company if you allowed him to use the card in the past. It’s best to contact all of the credit card companies you do business with to ensure that he is not an authorized user on your accounts. If he is, he has the power to make purchases with your card and drive up your debt.

Update your address.

If you are moving out of the marital home, it’s imperative that you contact your bank, credit card companies, and anyone else that you communicate with to give them your new address. This will ensure that you continue to receive bills in a timely manner so you can pay them as they are due and protect your credit.

Monitor your credit.

Keep an eye on your credit score following a divorce so you can spot any issues as soon as they arise. For example, if your ex-spouse has illegally used your information to open a new credit card, you will be able to take action before he damages your credit score. Credit Karma is a free tool that allows you to check your credit whenever you’d like. If you use this service to pull a credit report on yourself, your credit score will not be affected.

If you are filing for divorce, an experienced divorce attorney can provide you with the guidance you need to protect your credit score and your future. The attorneys at Adams Family Law will fight tirelessly to ensure you receive a fair divorce settlement that gives you financial stability. Schedule a consultation by emailing Steven@adamsfamilylaw.com or calling 513-929-9333.