Paintball is fun, in fact it's a lot of fun when you play as safe as you can.

Dress appropriately. This means either wear a jersey and pants made for playing paintball, which is the best option, or improvise and wear layers of clothing. This will greatly minimize the "hit" from the paintballs.

Always wear your protective helmet and goggles. If you are anywhere paintballs have the potential to be fired, make sure your head area and especially your eyes are always protected. If one person in the area doesn't have the safety switch on their gun, knowing or unknowingly, that gun could fire. Prepare for the other person not following through and you will avoid situations that could cause injury.

When playing paintball, whether on a field or in the woods, never shoot at anyone who is not wearing a mask. Even if your aim is good and you aim low, something could go wrong and it could still hit the person in the head. Never play in areas where people who are unprotected, animals or children may be present or get in the line of fire. At the conclusion of a game, stop firing and put your safety in the "on" position. If you're within 15 feet of an opponent, give them a chance to surrender before you aim and shoot at them.

Now that you know some safety basics, get out there and use these tips to have a great safe time at your next paintball game.