For just about everyone, from the very young to the very old, summertime is the peak time of year for fun. The warm weather opens the door to a wealth of awesome activities that can be enjoyed all summer long. Of course, no matter what you like to do during the summer, safety is of the utmost importance, especially if young kids are involved. To help you avoid an unfortunate accident or injury, here are four safety tips to keep in mind as the summer winds down.
1. Swim Safety
Swimming is a favorite activity of many when the weather is nice during the summer, but there's always the risk of injury if you don't take certain precautions. The best thing you can do is teach children how to swim, starting when they're young. It also doesn't hurt for adults who aren't strong swimmers to get some pointers as well, especially if they're going to be supervising children near the pool. If you have your own pool, having a fence around the pool that latches is imperative to pool safety, as it'll prevent young kids from getting into the pool area if they're not being watched. Such a scenario is an accident waiting to happen.
2. Wear a Helmet
Fun summer activities like biking, rollerblading, and even riding a hoverboard should all be done with a helmet on your head. Really anything that involves wheels requires a helmet because accidents are always possible no matter how much experience a person has at their favorite activity. This is especially important for kids, but if you want them to always wear a helmet, you need to set the example and do it yourself. Different activities require different helmets, so make sure you have the right one and make sure it fits properly.
3. Beware of Heat
The threat of heat stroke is always prevalent during the hot, summer months. Making sure you and everyone around you stay hydrated is the first step towards preventing a heat-related illness. You should also be aware of the symptoms someone suffering from heatstroke may start to show, including sweating, flushed skin, dizziness, and headaches. If you notice these symptoms in someone, get them to a cooler location and have them slowly drink water to rehydrate. Also, don't be afraid to call 911 if their condition doesn't improve. When it comes to children, don't expect them to tell you that they're getting thirsty or dehydrated. Instead, schedule regular water breaks before any problems arise.
4. Insect Patrol
No matter where you live, there are going to be mosquitos and insects around you that carry nasty diseases, so you have to take precautions to avoid being infected. First, if you're going to be outside, use insect repellant and don't be afraid to light citronella candles either. Also, if you know you're going to be in tall grass where ticks may live, wear long sleeves and pants, tucking your pants into your socks. If you have children, make sure they are properly dressed, and be sure to watch them closely to make sure they're not exhibiting any symptoms of a tick bite.