There seems to be no end to this stifling heat wave blanketing much of the country.

People are advised by every talking head on television and radio to simply stay indoors under the air conditioner and make sure outdoor pets have plenty of water.

But remaining indoors is not an option for some of the more adventurous souls out there.

I saw on the national news just Thursday morning how some folks are fitting themselves into giant water balloons and then blowing up the balloons in an effort to beat the heat. It seems like that was a lot of work for just a few seconds of relief. But to each his own, I suppose.

The heat wave makes for a tough time for those trying to get in some short of shape by walking at Cassidy Park and elsewhere. It doesn’t take very long for the heat to affect you if you’re not in top shape. It seems like you’re walking in an oven with the temperature switch on high. The professionals don’t recommend people who are trying to get fit to work out in such conditions. Things can go south in a hurry if you’re not in good physical condition.

A favorite way around here to beat the heat is to head out to one of the nearby water-themed attractions for a day of relaxing, swimming, canoeing or tubing on the Bogue Chitto River.

Of course, there are inherent dangers in doing this if alcohol is involved while on the water as we’ve seen in the last few weeks. A man from out of town drowned while tubing on the Bogue Chitto. He was not wearing a life preserver at the time he went under the water.

Wayne’s World and River Adventures are the two nearby tubing places most frequented. They are favorites of locals and visitors alike.

I found that out when we recently visited some relatives in Vicksburg, Miss. They were about to head out to float the Bogue Chitto at River Adventures. It is a nice little getaway for lovers of the water.     

The July 22 edition of the Daily News showed Venturer Scouts paddling down the Bogue Chitto during the annual race. They looked like they were having loads of fun.

The Scouts were enjoying the water in all the right ways to avoid disaster. They had their life jackets on and just were being responsible in general.

Respecting the water is the best bet to avoid something going terribly wrong and keeping a fun way of beating the heat from turning into a day of tragedy.

Randy Hammons is a staff writer for the Daily News. He can be contacted by calling 985-732-2565 or by email at randy.hammons@bogalusadailynews.com