A) If you’re unfamiliar with your lake of choice, make sure you do some research before settling on a location. Shoreline, water temperature, and swimming conditions vary widely among lakes—not to mention the size of the body of water. You’ll want to make sure you choose a lake suited to your desired activities; if you plan to do a lot of swimming, a massive and frigid option like Lake Michigan probably isn’t for you. People who plan to spend a lot of time in the water will want to choose a lake without a fraught history of summer’s itch—a microscopic parasite that lives in water and causes a rash-like reaction with varying severity—as well as being mindful of not visiting at the time of year when this condition is worsened. There are many factors to consider, so the most important thing is to make an informed decision!