NORTH CAROLINA -- With people back out on rivers and lakes across the state, wildlife officials are providing tips to help people stay safe.

• Always wear a life vest when out on open or moving water; if you're knocked unconscious by anything below or above the surface, a life vest could save your life

• State law requires anyone under age 13 to wear a life vest while on open water or on board a vessel

• Anyone on board a jet ski is required to wear a life vest

• Watch out for foot entrapments. Foot entrapments are when you get your feet stuck in something under water. On a day where it’s muddy be careful when attempting to stand up in the water.

• Watch out for sweepers and strainers, which is when a tree or branch is in the water. Water flows through them, but you don't. So if you're paddling down the river and you hit an object, you can get stuck or flip over.

• If you go overboard while floating down rapid waters, stick your feet out in front of you like you're sitting up in a lazy boy. Keep your nose and your toes out of the water. With your toes up, your feet won’t get stuck in anything and if you get pushed up against a rock, you can push off of it.

• If you get stuck in a hydraulic, pick a direction and swim as hard as you can.

• If you get stuck in a current, try to swim in the same direction as the current until you get out of either side.

Experts say water safety doesn't depend on whether you're a strong swimmer or not.