Spring recreation warnings

Holyoke, Mass. (WWLP) - It's that time of the year when people are itching to get outside.

But, it's also the time of year when many on motorcycles, boats and kayaks get themselves into trouble.

Recently, there were a pair of tragedies, just days apart.

A beloved Putnam High school teacher drowned while kayaking earlier this week.

Then, Wednesday night a motorcyclist died in Granby when the bike collided with a car.

A tragedy that the owner of Jerry's Cycle and Sled Shop says happens too often this time of year.

"They're just anxious because they're inside and sometimes they just don't use common sense especially with all the sand on the road and that stuff where it gets a little wet, you get oil spills and they're just not as careful as they should be," said Michelle Newell-Robare.

Newell-Robare also suggested checking your bike’s tires, brakes and battery before heading out for the first ride of the season.

The sunshine has also beckoned those who love the water, but Lt. Thomas Paquin of the Holyoke Fire Department said rivers are especially dangerous this time of the year.

"We do find more people in trouble this time of the year if you go down to some of the sections of the city where the waters very high because of all the rains and there's some serious rapids out there and that's not the type of water you want to venture into," said Lt. Paquin.

The water can also be much colder than it seems and hypothermia can set it quickly.

Lt. Paquin said kayakers and boaters should never go to a place that exceeds your skill level.

Everyone should also wear a coast-guard approved life vest.

If you're a bystander and you see someone in distress, call 911 then try and throw something to the person. It is not a good idea to go into the water yourself.

"A lot of times would be rescuers turn into victims," said Lt. Paquin.

On the road or on the water, a little caution goes a long way.