Can you already imagine the amazing fun you’ll have this summer lounging by the pool, eating ice-cream with friends in the center of town, hiking, roller skating and playing hide and seek with your kids in the park?
All of these activities make the summer one of the most exciting seasons. While you should definitely be focusing on the fun, a couple of safety considerations are also going to be important. Bug bites, allergies, falls and the intense sun can all lead to issues that can be avoided easily in a few simple steps.
Hydration, Hydration, Hydration
Carried away in a fun and exciting activity, you can easily forget to drink enough water. Dehydration is a serious problem that can have adverse consequences.
A general rule of thumb is to have a sip every 20 minutes (and even more often if you feel thirsty).
Water is perfect if you’re enjoying a leisurely activity like a walk in the part. For more rigorous exercises; running, biking that continues for more than an hour, sightseeing for an entire day, you may want to consider a sports drink that will replenish your electrolytes.
Avoiding a Heat Stroke
A heatstroke is a very serious risk for kids, the elderly and people who spend a lot of time outdoors without safety equipment or accessories. Hydration is one of the things that can be done to reduce the risk but there are other great options.
Avoid intense sunlight, especially in the period from midday to four pm. Stay in the shade if you are going to be outside in this time period. If you’re at the beach, keep your head under the umbrella.
It’s also very important to recognize the signs of a heatstroke. Headaches, dizziness, chills, a rapid heartbeat and a fever can all be signs of trouble. If you experience these symptoms or more severe signs like loss of consciousness, vomiting and disorientation, you should head to a hospital immediately.
In the hot summer days, do your best to wear loose and light clothing, put a hat on and avoid intense physical activity when it’s hottest. Spending time in a parked car is also a big no-no. This is especially true for younger people.
Bugs, Plants and Other Dangers
Nature can be magnificent to explore during the summer. When you’re unprepared, however, nature can also be dangerous.
When going on hikes, choose good supportive shoes and long-sleeved trousers. Many plants can cause skin irritation and rashes (poison ivy being the most prominent example). In addition, some of them have thorns and spikes that will cut your legs if there’s no protective fabric on top.
Bug spray is a must if you plan to spend some time in nature. Mosquitoes, bees, wasps, ants and ticks are some of the potential dangers.
Keep in mind that bee and wasp stings could lead to acute reactions. If you’ve never been stung before you may not know if you’re allergic. An EpiPen is an absolute essential for a nature trip, regardless of the allergy statuses of group members.
Be Responsible When Having Fun in the Water
Cool and enjoyable, water is an important part of the summer beach experience. Unfortunately, water can be deadly if you’re not vigilant and cautious enough.
The sea, lakes and rivers can all cause drowning. Even if you believe that you’re a good swimmer, the power of natural currents can be difficult to overcome on occasions. If you are going to the beach with kids, you should be even more careful. Never let them into the water unsupervised. This applies to kids of all ages and even when they’re playing in the shallow water.
Flotation devices are an excellent choice for kids and for people who can’t swim well. A vest is better than water wings because there’s no risk of slipping off.
Enjoy New Foods in a Safe Way
Are you traveling to new destinations and resorts during the summer? If so, you’ll feel tempted to try the culinary delights these new places have to offer.
Trying local cuisine is an important part of the travel experience. Still, you should exercise some caution when choosing both eateries and meals. Do some online research about venues that are favorites with the tourists. A bigger number of visitors means there will be no stale food at the venue.
Street food can be incredibly delicious but be careful and have some hygienic concerns. Vendors who wear gloves when preparing foods and those who have refrigerated containers are the ones that can offer you the safest treats.
Avoid undercooked and raw items because you’re not used to them and you may have an adverse reaction.
Summer safety doesn’t have to be complicated or overwhelming. There are a few simple rules to stick to. Know your weaknesses, think about the things you plan to be doing and based on this information, you can come up with a personalized safety strategy. Have a great summer!
