Summer Safety Tips

Summer is a great time to be carefree, enjoying extra time outdoors with friends and family. But, with the whimsy of summer comes extra need for vigilance, particularly around warm weather activities. Read on for our summer safety tips to help you enjoy all that this abundant season has to offer. 

Water play brings a lot of joy to many in the summer months. Whether it’s running through a backyard sprinkler, enjoying a day at the pool or a weeklong vacation at the lake, there are lots of opportunities to dive into. It’s important to take water safety seriously, particularly when novice swimmers and bodies of water are involved. Always have a designated ‘water watcher’ for kids who are in the pool or lake. If someone is struggling in the water, you will likely only be able to see them, not hear them. Drowning can happen in under a minute and having eyes on your swimmers is vital to their safety.

Bright orange or neon green swimsuits are the easiest to spot under the water. Navy and black can be almost impossible to see. Keep this in mind when choosing suits for your aspiring swimmers.

Our top tip for water safety is to make sure your little ones learn to swim. If you can, invest in swim lessons to build their water skills, and talk often about how to stay safe in and around the water.

Summertime typically means lots of time spent outdoors. Taking care to mitigate the risks that can pop up when spending long stretches outside will make your time more enjoyable. Always carry a water bottle with you to prevent dehydration and heat stroke. Items like hats and lightweight long sleeves can protect skin along with sunscreen. If you’re depending on sunscreen for sun protection, pay attention to the directions and reapply as recommended. The sun’s rays are strongest between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. so consider inside activities during this time, particularly on extra hot and humid days.

Bugs also love the outdoors during the summer! While people and bugs can peacefully coexist for the most part, be prepared to keep pests at bay. Bug spray – especially a formula containing DEET – does wonders to keep mosquitoes from getting the best of you. If you or a family member have a known bee allergy always carry an epipen with you in case of a sting. Consider keeping your shoes on to avoid stepping on bees that are hiding in the grass. Lastly, if you are going to be in an area known for ticks be sure to wear long pants, socks and toe-covering shoes. After your time outside, conduct a tick check head to toe. The effects of Lyme disease are more easily diminished the earlier a tick bite is discovered.

A little preparation goes a long way to ensure your summertime safety. Gateway Hancock Health wishes you and your family a wonderful summer season!