How to Stay Safe While Having Fun This Summer

Summer is here, and that means more time with family and friends. Outdoor fun. And sometimes, unfortunately, it can mean danger. The American Red Cross has tips for staying safe when engaging in a variety of your favorite summer activities:

Water Safety

Every day, an average of 11 people die in the U.S. from unintentional drowning — and one in five of those are children 14 or younger according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The Red Cross wants everyone to know critical safety knowledge and skills that could save your life in and around the water:

• Preventing unsupervised access to water, providing constant, active adult supervision and knowing how to swim are critical layers of protection to help prevent drowning.
• Classes to learn how to swim are available for both children and adults… Everyone should learn first aid and CPR too, so they know what to do in an emergency.
• Download the Red Cross Swim app for safety tips, kid-friendly videos and activities, and take the free Water Safety for Parents and Caregivers online course…
• It’s best to swim in a lifeguarded area. Always designate a “water watcher” whose sole responsibility is to keep a close eye and constant attention on everyone in and around the water until the next water watcher takes over.
• Drowning behavior is typically fast and silent. Unless rescued, a drowning person will last only 20 to 60 seconds before submerging. In the event of an emergency, reach or throw an object to the person in trouble. Don't go in or you could become a victim yourself.
• It only takes a moment. A child or weak swimmer can drown in the time it takes to reply to a text, check a fishing line or apply sunscreen.

Beach Safety

Learn how to reduce the risks so your family can enjoy swimming in open water, such as the ocean and large lakes:

• Watch the weather and get out of the water at the first sign of lightning or the rumble of thunder. Stay indoors and away from water for 30 minutes after the last lightning flashes or thunder roars.
• Swim only at a beach with a lifeguard, within the designated swimming area. Obey all instructions and orders from lifeguards and ask them about local condition.
• As when swimming or relaxing in a pool or hot tub, always designate a “water watcher” whose sole responsibility is to keep a close eye and constant attention on everyone in and around the water until the next water watcher takes over.
• Children, inexperienced swimmers, and all boaters should wear properly fitted U.S. Coast Guard-approved life jackets.
• Protect your neck – don’t dive in headfirst. Walk carefully into open waters. Watch out for and avoid aquatic life.
• If you are caught in a rip current, stay calm and don’t fight it. Swim parallel to the shore until you are out of the current. Then, turn and swim to shore. If you can't swim to shore, float or tread water until you are free of the rip current and then head toward shore. Draw attention to yourself by waving and calling for help.

Camping Safety

If a camping trip is in your plans, know the level of ability of the people in your group and the environment around you. Plan accordingly.

• Pack a first aid kit to handle insect stings, sprains, cuts and bruises and other injuries that could happen to someone in your group. Take a Red Cross First Aid and CPR course and download the First Aid app so you will know what to do in case help is delayed.
• Sprains and falls are some of the most common misfortunes travelers may face. Falls are the biggest threat, many due to poor decision-making, lack of skill or not being properly prepared.
• Dehydration is also a danger. Plan ahead for these dangers.
• Share your travel plans and locations with a family member, neighbor or friend.
• Bring nutritious food items and water, lightweight clothing to layer and supplies for any pets.

For more tips you need to stay safe this summer, including how to protect your pets, click here.

June 1 also ushers in hurricane season. So as you are making all those fun summer plans, make sure you are also taking time to develop a disaster plan. Certain storm prep items are now permanently tax free, so you do not need to worry about stocking up within a specific timeframe. Brush off your hurricane financial kit while you are making your preparations.

 Be safe and have a great summer!