Summer is a time to relax and have fun. But that fun can stop in a hot second when something bad happens to a family member or friend. Don’t let anything ruin your summer fun by following a few simple summer safety tips.
Stay Safe In the Sun
The sun can be intense in the summer, particularly in the middle of the day. Add to that the fact that we wear shorts and tank top leaving lots of skin exposed and it’s no wonder that sun damage and sunburns happen all summer long.
Aside from being uncomfortable, sunburns can increase your risk for skin cancer. Wear protective clothing, stay in the shade, and apply sunscreen regularly to avoid getting burned.
This is particularly important when you’re hanging out in or by the water. It doesn’t matter if you’re at the pool, the lake, or the beach. Limit your sun exposure and protect with appropriate sun screen. Save your skin and yourself this summer.
Stay Safe In the Heat
Along with sun damage, the heat can get quite dangerous as well. Heat exhaustion, heat stroke, and dehydration all pose serious risks during the hot summer months. The effects are amplified when you’re very active outdoors. Limit runs, hiking, bike rides, gardening and the likes to the cooler morning and evening hours on very hot days.
Take breaks indoors and cool off. Above all make sure you stay well hydrated when you’re out and about. Drink water before you leave and take a bottle or two with you. Dehydration has serious risks including headaches, blurred vision, confusion, and eventually blacking out. If you start to feel thirsty, you’re already dehydrated. Drink water and seek shade or shelter.
Stay Safe In the Water
Each summer, without fail we hear stories of drowning victims. They happen at the beach, the lake, or the family pool. Sadly, many of those fatal or near fatal accidents could have been prevented with the right safety precautions. Start with the tips below, and most importantly always pay attention around water, particularly with kids around.
Don’t Leave Kids Unsupervised
Let’s make this point again. Don’t ever take your eyes of the kids in or near the water. This is particularly important when there are lots of other adults around. Don’t assume someone else is watching them. That’s when most home pool accidents happen.
Always Swim with a Buddy
Don’t head out into the water alone, particularly when it’s a lake, or the ocean. Swim with a buddy or at the very least, have someone on land that’s watching you and can get help when you get in trouble.
Wear Swim Vests when Boating
Yes, they are uncomfortable, but there’s a reason you’re supposed to wear swim vests when you’re on a boat. You wear your seat belt in the car; wear a vest when you’re on a boat.
Alcohol and Water Don’t Mix
Unless we’re talking Scotch, alcohol and water don’t mix. Go for a swim, enjoy your boat ride and save the booze for when you’re back on dry land. Don’t’ drink and drive, don’t drink and boat, and don’t drink and swim to stay safe.
