Summer Smarts: How to Stay Safe and Have Fun in the Sun

Summer is here, and that means fun in the sun, pool parties, road trips, and outdoor adventures. While you are out having a blast, it is important to remember to stay safe. Here are some tips to help you make the most of your summer safely.

Water Safety

Swimming is a great way to cool off, but it is important to stay safe in the water. Drowning is a leading cause of unintentional injury-related death among children ages 1-4 and remains a significant risk for teens. Pools are not the only concern – 40% of drownings among children aged 5-14 occur in natural water settings like lakes and rivers (CDC).

Safety Tips

• Always swim with another person and make sure there is an adult or lifeguard watching.
• If you do not know how to swim, consider taking lessons.
• Wear life jackets when boating or doing water sports.
• Do not swim if you are tired or after eating a large meal.

Sun Protection

Summer is the perfect time for outdoor physical activity, reducing stress, and getting Vitamin D. However, sunburns can ruin your summer fun and increase the risk of skin cancer later in life. Even on cloudy days, UV rays can still cause damage (CDC).

Safety Tips

• Use sunscreen with at least SPF 30 and reapply every two hours, or more often if you are swimming or sweating.
• Sun Protection Factor, or SPF, is a number that rates how well the lotion filters out UV rays, with higher numbers indicating higher protection.
• Wear hats, sunglasses, and protective clothing.
• Seek shade during the peak sun hours from 10AM to 4PM.

Health-Related Illnesses

Summer temperatures can get intense, so it is crucial to stay hydrated and cool. Did you know that over 9,000 kids end up in the emergency room each year due to heat-related incidents (CDC)? The signs of a heat-related illness are:

• Increased Thirst
• Weakness
• Fatigue
• Muscle Cramps
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Irritability
• Headaches
• Sweating
• Cool/Clammy Skin
• Increased Body Temperature
• Fainting

To avoid these symptoms, follow these safety tips:

• Drink plenty of water, even if you are not thirsty.
• Take breaks in the shade or indoors to cool down.
• Wear light-colored, loose-fitting clothes.
• Avoid intense activities during the hottest parts of the day.

Road Safety

Summer means road trips and more driving, which unfortunately means more car accidents. July and August have the highest number of motor vehicle crash deaths (NHTSA).

Safety Tips:

• Put your phone away while driving to avoid distractions.
• Never get behind the wheel or in the vehicle of someone who has been drinking or using drugs.
• Make sure everyone wears their seatbelt.
• Follow speed limits and be cautious, especially on unfamiliar roads.
• Food Safety

Summer picnics and barbecues are great, but food poisoning can ruin your day. Warmer weather means that bacteria will grow faster, which in turn can make you very ill (USDA).

Safety Tips

• Keep raw meat separate from other foods and use different plates and utensils for cooked and raw foods.
• Cook meat to the right temperature to kill harmful bacteria.
• Refrigerate leftovers right away to prevent them from spoiling.
• Wash your hands and surfaces often to avoid spreading germs.

By keeping these tips in mind, you can have a fantastic and safe summer. A little bit of caution can help you avoid accidents and stay healthy while you enjoy all the fun activities the season has to offer. Stay safe, have fun, and make the most of your summer!