Summer is the season for family vacations, afternoons by the pool, and more time outdoors. But as temperatures rise and the days get longer, it’s also a good time to stay on top of your health.
From heat illness to sun exposure and drowning risk, some simple precautions can help ensure you enjoy the summer safely.
Here are some tips to help you and your family stay safe in the sun, especially around water:
1. Take swimming lessons to reduce the risk of drowning:
According to the latest data from the CDC, unintentional drowning remains one of the leading causes of death among young children in the United States.
More children ages 1 to 4 die from drowning than any other cause of death, and drowning is the second leading cause of unintentional injury death among children ages 5 to 14.
Each year in the US, there are more than 4,000 fatal accidental drownings – an average of 11 drowning deaths per day.
2. Wear a life jacket during water activities:
Pool toys, such as noodles or inner tubes, should not be used in place of a life jacket, as they are not designed to keep swimmers safe.
For boys, choose brightly colored swimsuits as it can help you spot them in the water more easily.
3. Learn and practice cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR):
When performed during an emergency, CPR can help save lives and improve outcomes for drowning victims. The sooner CPR begins, the greater the chances of a positive outcome.
4. Prepare for the weather:
Strong winds and thunderstorms can be dangerous when on or near the water, so check the forecast before boating or swimming and head to shore immediately if storms develop.
5. Apply sunscreen every two hours to protect your skin from the sun:
Sunscreen levels are categorized by a sun protection factor (SPF) that measures how well they block UV rays. Higher numbers indicate greater protection.
Use a broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher and reapply it at least every two hours, or more frequently after swimming or sweating.
6. Wear protective clothing, a hat and sunglasses:
When possible, wear long-sleeved shirts, pants, or skirts that can help protect you from UV rays.
The best protection is offered by clothing made from tightly woven fabrics, along with wide-brimmed hats to cover the face, ears, and neck.
7. Protect babies and children from heat:
Babies and young children depend on adults to stay cool and hydrated.
Dress them in loose, light clothing, offer water frequently, and watch for early signs of overheating, especially during outdoor play.
Never leave a child in a parked car.
8. Stay Cool and Hydrated:
As the weather warms, remember to drink plenty of water. Increase fluids during heat or physical activity and consider electrolyte drinks after prolonged exertion.
Limit drinks with alcohol and caffeine.
9. Help seniors stay safe in extreme heat:
Adults 65 and older are more prone to heat-related health problems.
Encourage them to stay in air-conditioned spaces as much as possible, drink water regularly without expecting to feel thirsty, wear loose, light clothing, and contact family, friends, or neighbors during periods of extreme heat.
