Summer Safety: Five Tips for Staying Safe While Having Fun in the Sun

Summer is a time for hiking, parasailing, boating, camping and going to the beach. We wait all year for a three month period that allows us to be outdoors 24/7 and be adventurous as much as possible. But with any great adventure, come some very large risks. Here are some things that will stave off potential hospital visits and increase your time outside.

Lather Up

Wear sunscreen! It goes without saying that the sun can do some serious damage. The consequences can take years to unravel or merely hours, and sun spots and skin cancer can happen as young as infancy, so wear protection! Also, if you’re going to lather up, you may as well include bug spray. Mosquitos can be silent but deadly – carrying almost 11 different kinds of diseases. And, they are everywhere!

Drink Water

One of the biggest causes for hospitalization in the summer is dehydration. The warmer it gets and the more we sweat, the more likely we are to be dehydrated. Here are some signs to look out for:

1. Dizziness

2. Nausea

3. Vomiting

4. Muscle weakness

5. Cramping

6. Shortness of breath

You can avoid all of this by taking water breaks. The more you’re outside and in direct sunlight, the more often you should drink water.

Constant Contact

The warm summer weather makes us daring. If you’re a hiker, a camper, an adrenaline junkie or someone who is outside all the time, make sure you have your cell phone handy. Make sure it’s charged and always pack a spare, fully charged battery. Too many people get lost while hiking or camping and have no way of contacting anyone for help. Avoid becoming a statistic: let people know where you are and be prepared.

Don’t Drink and Sparkle

The Fourth of July is when summer really begins. Bonfires are bigger, the grills get used more, drinking happens almost daily and fireworks come out to play. Much like you shouldn’t drink and drive, don’t drink and play with fireworks. People often feel indestructible while drinking and, unfortunately, invincibility and fireworks don’t mix. So, keep a clear mind while operating anything that has the potential to endanger yourself, those around you or your property.

Dog Parenting the Summer Edition

Dogs are like children, they depend on us for food, water, daily exercise and affection. We want to take them everywhere, especially in the summer. However, taking your dog to some place you know they’re not allowed can run some very high risks. A 70 degree day can mean a 120 degree temperature in your car just 20 minutes after turning it off. A 90 degree day can turn your car in a 160 degree sauna in less than 40 minutes. Some people avoid this by leaving their car running with the AC on and, while it may keep your animal cool, beware that 14 states – including Illinois - have outlawed this and many others have strict laws about idling cars. Your best bet is to leave your furbaby at home when you know you have running around to do.

As a rule of thumb for summer safety, use common sense. If you know you’ll be in the open all day and the sun is supposed to be shining, wear sunscreen. If your beach volleyball team is playing all day matches, be sure to have plenty of water handy. And, if you’re hosting a party where you’ll be setting off fireworks, don’t drink – and have insurance should someone else feel invincible. Summer is a time for fun, laughter and lots of living, make sure you’re prepared.