Summer Safety Tips For Stress-Free Fun In The Sun

When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn a commission. Here’s how it works.

Sunglasses next to beach in sun (caption: Summer Safety Tips)Summer is typically synonymous with fun in the sun, backyard grilling and travel. But the warmer months are also prime time for hurricanes, thunderstorms, wildfires and other deadly natural disasters. Combine that with potentially dangerous outdoor activities, increased road traffic and drunk drivers, and you have many more opportunities for accidents. Luckily, our summer guide to safety is here to help you have a happy, healthy season for the whole family.

Article Overview

Bicycle Safety

You should wear a helmet at all times while riding a bike. This is true whether you’re going around the block or your kid is practicing in the driveway. Brain damage, or worse, death, is not worth the risk for a little unprotected fun on two wheels.

Tip: In addition to wearing a helmet, you should ensure it’s fitted properly. Tighten the chin strap, eliminating any wiggle room when you shake your head.

Obey all bike laws in your area, including utilizing bike lanes, heeding traffic signals and sharing the road responsibly.

When taking your bike to public spaces or keeping it stored outside, make sure to lock it up. A u-shaped lock inserted through the frame and front tire and a cable lock or chain wrapped around the u-lock and the back tire ensures all parts won’t walk (or ride) off. We recommend this lock from Kryptonite. Its steel is strong enough to hold up to bolt cutters and, if you lose your key, they’ll send you a new one. Plus, it comes with an anti-theft protection guarantee, reimbursing you for losses up to $1,750. That’s a steal for the small investment (no pun intended).

Boat Safety

Man water skiing on lakeBoats, just like cars or any heavy machinery, should never be operated while under the influence of alcohol or drugs. So always designate a captain who is of age and can be in charge of steering the ship safely.

It’s not just a motorboat that presents a risk. A sailboat or rowboat could injure or kill someone if it were to crash into a swimmer or tip over due to the sheer weight of the boat.

Always wear life jackets on board, and if you take your boat out at night, make sure the lights are working. You can get a ticket or be arrested for not following the laws of the water.

Sunscreen is a must anytime you are outdoors to keep your skin protected from harmful ultraviolet rays.

Fireworks Safety

July is Fireworks Safety Month and for a good reason. The CPSC (Consumer Products Safety Commission) found in their 2021 annual fireworks report a significant upward trend in fireworks-related injuries. In the last 15 years (between 2006 and 2021), injuries with fireworks climbed 25% in the U.S.. And in 2021, at least nine people died, and an estimated 11,500 were injured in incidents involving fireworks.

Here are 5 tips for how to safely celebrate America’s independence:

  1. Only use fireworks if they are legal in your area and be mindful of dates and times when they are allowed.
  2. Never let children play with or handle fireworks of any kind and supervise teenagers closely.
  3. Do not set off fireworks while under the influence of drugs or alcohol, when indoors or close to people or structures.
  4. Wear protective eye gear and only light fireworks on a non-combustible surface (not in your hand). Stay clear of the explosion and ensure it points away from anything it could harm.
  5. Sparklers are hot enough to melt metal and can cause burns. Consider using safer alternatives, including confetti, glow sticks or streamers.

Heat Exhaustion And Stroke

Extreme heat and prolonged exposure to the sun can be deadly. Stay hydrated to mitigate the risk of overheating, especially when your system is working extra hard to sweat and cool down from exercise.

If you feel light-headed, sit down and use a cold towel on your neck or forehead. If you experience intense dizziness, it could be a sign of something more serious, so seek medical attention immediately. Never leave pets or infants in a hot car and be sure to help older people into shaded outdoor areas.

Playground Safety

Kids playing on Triple Fun Metal Swing Set ReviewSwings and playsets offer a family-friendly activity.

Be sure to install the play equipment on a level grass, gravel or dirt surface. Falls or tumbles won’t hurt as much, and you reduce the chance of a tip over. On that note, use stakes or weighted reinforcements to secure the set to the ground, especially if heavier children use it.

Swimming Safety

Drowning can happen in a matter of seconds. One moment you are having a great time splashing around, and you turn your eye away for a blink, and it’s too late. Don’t let children swim unsupervised for any reason and pay close attention while they’re playing in the pool. If no lifeguard is on duty, find an adult who can physically assist in an emergency and have a rescue device (e.g., life ring or buoy) within arms reach. Even if kids are strong enough to stay afloat, water wings, arm floats or life vests may be a good safety measure.

Prepare Yourself For Adverse Weather Conditions

Car door window with mirror in rainWhile many of the above hazard precautions are within our control (for the most part), natural disasters are not. Thunderstorms, wildfires and more can come out of nowhere and wreak havoc in their path.

It’s incredibly important to educate yourself on the possible weather conditions in your area. You should also have the necessary tools on hand and know what actions to take. Lucky for you, we’ve put together in-depth guides on how to prepare for hurricanes, lightning safety tips and ways to stay safe before and during a tornado.

Above all, have fun, but be careful, so you can spend your time soaking up the sun and playing in the water (with sunscreen applied of course 😉 vs waiting in an emergency room or hospital.

Tagged With:

The information provided through this website should not be used to diagnose or treat a health problem or disease; it is not intended to offer any legal opinion or advice or a substitute for professional safety advice or professional care. Please consult your health care provider, attorney, or product manual for professional advice. Products and services reviewed are provided by third parties; we are not responsible in any way for them, nor do we guarantee their functionality, utility, safety, or reliability. Our content is for educational purposes only.

Subscribe
Notify of
0 Comments
Inline Feedbacks
View all comments