Summertime Safety

Tips for being in the sun on water and land

by Erika Branchcomb, Florida League of Cities

Summers are filled with outdoor events and opportunities to enjoy ourselves on the water and in the sunshine. Spending time outdoors can be great for making memories but can be risky if safety is not top of mind.

WATER SAFETY

Any body of water can be dangerous if proper safety precautions aren’t taken.

▸ Supervise young children. Implement a buddy system so no one swims alone.

▸ Keep a phone nearby. Be sure someone in your group knows CPR if a lifeguard isn’t present.

▸ Limit alcoholic beverages that can reduce your response time and impair judgment.

▸ At the ocean, look for flags. A red flag means dangerous conditions, yellow means moderate conditions and green means low hazard conditions. Some beaches also use a purple flag to indicate high sea life activity (usually jellyfish or stingrays).

▸ Watch out for rip currents. These strong water channels flow to the open sea and are the leading cause of ocean drownings. If you get caught in a rip current, signal for help. Try to move sideways away from the current.

OUTDOOR SAFETY

Summer is ideal for enjoying hiking, bicycling, boating, camping, grilling and attending festive events. Consider the following areas to stay safe.

▸ Insects. Avoid wearing perfume or scented products, and use unscented soap. Apply insect repellant (with DEET) liberally. Wear long sleeves and socks, especially when hiking, and avoid bright-colored clothing. Cover food so it doesn’t attract unwanted insects. Do a thorough tick check after being outdoors, particularly in the woods.

▸ Bicycles. Use protective equipment including a helmet, reflective gear and mounted lights and reflectors at night. Use arm and hand signals. Ride with traffic, not against. Carry items in a backpack or strapped to the back of the bike. Tuck in shoelaces and loose pantlegs to avoid getting them caught in the chain.

▸ Boats. Wear an appropriately sized life jacket that is fastened correctly. Be mindful of the weather, and take precautions with approaching wind or rain. Never drink alcohol when driving a motorized water vessel. Have a spotter for tubers or wakeboarders, and ensure the towlines remain clear of the propellor. Wear sunscreen with at least SPF 30.

▸ Grilling. Clean your grill thoroughly after each use. Place grill on stable, level ground away from objects. Don’t cook under patios or porches. Check gas grills for leaks. Keep children and pets away. Have a fire extinguisher handy.

Erika Branchcomb is the Senior Communications Specialist at the Florida League of Cities.

Sources: American Red Cross, Summit Health, National Safety Council.