Summer Safety

Summer is a great time for outdoor fun, but it's important to stay safe. Whether you're swimming, playing sports, or just enjoying the sun, knowing how to protect yourself and your family can help prevent accidents and illnesses.

Our goal is to provide you with easy-to-follow tips to keep your family safe and healthy during summer activities. By being aware of potential dangers and taking simple precautions, you can enjoy a fun and safe summer.

Sun safety

Sun exposure can lead to sunburn and increase the risk of skin cancer. Protecting your skin from the sun is important for long-term health.

Tips for sun protection:

• Apply sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher to all exposed skin. Reapply every two hours and after swimming or sweating.
• Wear hats, sunglasses and long sleeves to cover your skin. Choose light-colored and loose-fitting clothes for comfort.
• Stay in the shade during peak sun hours (10 a.m. to 4 p.m.) when the sun's rays are strongest.

Special considerations for children:

• Use sunscreen designed for children, which is often gentler on their skin.
• Keep infants out of direct sunlight. Use lightweight clothing and a hat to protect their sensitive skin.

Water safety

Keep your entire family safe by following these simple water safety tips.

Swimming safety:

• Always watch children closely when they are in or near water.
• Swimming lessons can help children learn how to be safe in the water.
• Have young or inexperienced swimmers wear life jackets for added safety.

Pool safety at home:

• Put up fences and use alarms to prevent unsupervised access to pools.
• Remove toys and objects from the pool area to avoid tripping hazards and attract children.

Open water safety:

• Swim only in areas marked safe for swimming.
• Check water conditions and weather forecasts before swimming in open water.
• Adults and children should wear U.S. Coast Guard approved lifejackets.

Heat safety

It’s important to recognize the symptoms of heat-related illnesses:

• Heat exhaustion: Look for heavy sweating, weakness, dizziness, nausea, and headache.
• Heat stroke: Watch for symptoms like a high body temperature, no longer sweating, confusion, and loss of consciousness. This is a medical emergency and requires immediate attention.

To avoid heat-related illnesses, follow these preventive measures:

• Drink water frequently, even if you don't feel thirsty.
• Rest in shaded or air-conditioned areas to cool down.
• Choose lightweight, light-colored clothes to help keep your body cool.
• Limit outdoor activities during the hottest part of the day.

Outdoor activity safety

Biking and sports:

• Always wear a helmet and appropriate safety gear when biking or playing sports.
• Check bikes and sports equipment regularly for wear and tear to prevent accidents.

Insect protection:

• Apply insect repellent containing DEET or picaridin to exposed skin and clothing.
• After being in wooded or grassy areas, thoroughly check your body and clothing for ticks. Promptly remove any ticks found.

Playground safety:

• Keep a close eye on children while they play to prevent injuries.
• Inspect playground equipment for potential hazards such as hot surfaces or broken parts before letting children play.

Travel safety

Car safety:

• Even on mild days, temperatures inside a car can quickly become dangerous. It can only take about two minutes for cars to heat up to lethal temperature levels. Never leave kids or pets alone in the car for any length of time.
• Use age-appropriate car seats and ensure everyone wears seat belts for every trip.

Road trips:

• Take breaks every couple of hours to stretch, rest, and prevent fatigue.
• Pack a first aid kit, medications, water and snacks in case of unexpected delays or emergencies.

Staying safe in crowded places:

• Agree on a meeting spot in case anyone gets separated.
• Keep children within sight and reach in busy or crowded areas to ensure their safety.

First aid and emergency preparedness

• Basic first aid tips:
  • Clean cuts and scrapes with soap and water. Apply a bandage and keep wounds clean to prevent infection.
  • Use aloe vera to soothe sunburns. 
  • Manage insect bites: Remove stingers if present, wash the area with soap and water, and apply a cold compress to reduce swelling. Use hydrocortisone cream to ease itchiness and irritation from insect bites. 
• Emergency contacts: Keeping a list of emergency phone numbers: Include numbers for local emergency services, poison control, and your family doctor.
• Knowing when to seek medical help: Symptoms like difficulty breathing, severe bleeding or sudden confusion require immediate medical attention.

We encourage you to have a safe and enjoyable summer! For more resources and information on staying healthy and safe, contact Banner Health.