Summer is a great time of year to create memories with your family and friends! But as you start participating in sporting and outdoor activities, the risk of injury also goes up during this time of year. So, it’s important to implement these summer safety tips to keep you and your loved ones safe.
The truth is that injury prevention in summer doesn’t mean that you have to stay inside and avoid all risk. Instead, there are ways to minimize the chances of injury by taking a proactive approach when planning for your summer events. Be aware of the most common types of summer accidents so that you know what to watch for: car accidents, pool injuries, heatstroke, sports accidents, etc.
Summer Safety Tips for Water Activities
Everyone wants to cool down in the hottest months of the year, which is why every family needs to know these beat the heat safety tips. Whether you are heading to the lake or going to the local rec center swimming pool, one important part of injury prevention in summer is making sure that everyone is safe in the water.
Here are a few important swimming safety tips to keep in mind:
- Supervision:Children and weak swimmers should always have close supervision at all times. Regardless of the type of water activities you are participating in, make sure that experienced adults are there to keep an eye and offer support if needed.
- Security:If you have a backyard swimming pool, then fencing and pool alarms are critical to keep children (and pets) out of the water unsupervised.
- CPR:Parents and caregivers should have training on CPR and basic first aid so they know what to do if an accident happens.
- Currents:If you are heading to the beach, then use caution to avoid riptides and heavy currents. Know how to escape them if you get caught.
- Buddy:Always practice the rule of swimming with a buddy. The buddy system is smart for people of all ages.
- Lifeguards:Choose public swimming locations where flags and lifeguards are present. Even though the lifeguards are there, you still much be proactive about watching your children and everyone in your group.
- Boating:When heading out on watercraft, make sure that everyone on board has a life jacket. The boat driver should attend boat safety courses and ensure that all safety regulations are being followed.
Summer Fun Safety Tips on the Road
Is a family road trip part of your summer tradition? There are several summer safety tips you can follow before loading up the car and when you are on the road:
- Vehicle Inspection:Complete a thorough vehicle inspection to make sure that everything is in good working order. Check the tire tread and pressure, inspect the brakes, and make sure that all fluids are topped up.
- Emergency Kit:It’s smart to have an emergency kit in the trunk, including water, blankets, jumper cables, snacks, and a first aid kit.
- Driver Safety:Avoid distractions on the road. If you are behind the wheel, ask for a passenger to navigate on their phone. If you are starting to get tired, then pull over to take a break at a gas station or rest stop. If alcohol is involved, then make sure to always have a designated driver.
- Passenger Safety:All passengers in the car should be wearing their seatbelts at all times. Children must be in the right car seats, which should be properly installed in the back seat of the car. Using age-appropriate restraints reduces the risk of serious injury in case an accident occurs.
- Entertainment:One way to minimize driver distractions if there are children in the car is by having entertainment. For example, if the kids are watching a movie or playing games on a device, then there is a lower likelihood that they will cause a distraction.
Summer Safety Tips for All Ages
While summer safety tips are usually aimed at protecting children, the truth is that safety practices should be applied for people of all ages:
- Summer Safety Tips for Kids:Keep children hydrated and reduce the risk of sunburn by staying in the shade. Apply sunscreen and monitor all activities that are happening.
- Summer Safety Tips for Pets:Never leave a pet unattended in a parked car, because the temperatures can be life-threatening. Make sure the animal has access to shade and water, especially during the hottest parts of the day.
- Summer Safety Tips for Elderly:Help seniors stay hydrated and recommend that they wear loose-fitting, lightweight clothing. It’s best to avoid going outside during the peak sun hours. Instead, plan outdoor activities in the morning or evening hours.
FAQ
How to prevent heatstroke in summer?
Hydration is key to preventing heatstroke. Also, avoid the intensity of the sun by staying in the shade and wearing lightweight, light-colored clothing. If you are getting too warm, then go inside to cool down in the air conditioning.
What is the best sunscreen for summer?
Choose a broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher. This type of sunscreen protects against both UVA and UVB rays. If you are participating in water activities, then make sure that the sunscreen is water resistant. Always apply sunscreen every 90 minutes (or more frequently).
What to drink in summer to stay hydrated?
While cold water is always a good choice for hydration, also consider having sports drinks on hand. These drinks contain electrolytes that can help to reduce the risk of dehydration.
What are the best first aid tips for summer injuries?
Keep a small first aid kit on hand with Band-Aids and supplies to clean wounds if needed. Minor cuts and scrapes can be cleaned with soap and water, followed by an application of antibiotic ointment, then covered with a bandage. Burns should be cooled with cool water (not ice). Heatstroke must be treated immediately by moving the person to a cool place, removing excess clothing, and seeking medical care.
Need Help with Summer Injury Cases?
While the hope is that these summer safety tips to reduce the risk of injury, there is always a risk that an accident might happen. If you need help with a personal injury case, then reach out to our team of legal experts: Gainsburgh, Benjamin, David, Meunier & Warshauer, L.L.C. at (504) 522-2304.
