Tips to stay safe this summer, especially while having fun at the beach or in the yard
Swimming at the local public pool, lake or pond is a fun way to stay cool during the summer heat, but safety must always be a priority.
Most people know the dangers of swimming alone, but there are other precautions one should take during other outdoor activities like hiking and gardening during this time of the year.
From dangerously high levels of ultraviolet light rays to mosquitoes and tick bites, there are many ways people can protect themselves and prevent illness or injury from the summer's elements. Here are some tips on how to protect the whole family, including the four-legged members.
Swimming safety tips
Drowning is the leading cause of death for children, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. For children ages 1 to 4, it's the first leading cause of unintentional injury death, and the second leading cause for children between 5 to 14 years old.
The CDC encourages parents to enroll their children in swimming lessons, but learning how to swim is not enough to prevent drowning. Whether in a bathtub or a lake, adult supervision is key, and life jackets are recommended for children of all ages.
Before the family packs up the car with their beach towels and life jackets and puts on their swimsuits, always check the state Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR) website for water quality warnings on the park alerts page.
Beamans Pond Beach, the day-use area at Otter River State Forest in Templeton, is currently closed because of high bacteria levels. DCR routinely does water quality testing. Swimming in a body of water with unsafe bacteria levels can cause illness.
More: What is ‘dry drowning’ and ‘secondary drowning’? Here's everything you need to know.
Sunscreen is a must
Layering on sunscreen can be a nuisance for some, but it's a must to prevent sunburn and ultimately reduce the chance of skin cancer. According to the CDC, skin cancer is the most common cancer in the U.S. Although protection from ultraviolet light rays should be done year-round, more people tend to go out into the sun for longer periods during the summer.
UV rays are at their highest between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. in the summer. Most smartphone weather apps show the daily UV index, whether it's dangerously high and how much sun protection is needed. The UV index is a scale from 1 to 11, with 11 being the highest.
Sunscreen, hats and sunglasses are three ways to protect the skin and eyes from sun damage. The CDC recommends using sunscreen with a Sun Protection Factor of 15 or higher and reapplying every two hours.
How to prevent bug bites
While ticks and mosquitoes are another sign that the summer season has begun, the tiny pests can also cause skin problems or severe illness if precautions are not taken.
A mosquito bite might seem like a small price to pay in exchange for some time outside in the sun, but a quick spray of EPA-certified bug repellent is an easy way to prevent itchy, red skin or severe illness. The small flying pests spread up to 17 different kinds of germs, parasites and viruses.
Bug repellents, from skin sprays to bug screens, can protect the whole family from ticks and mosquitos. The EPA has a search tool to help people find the right repellent tool. It is recommended by the CDC to apply sunscreen first and then bug repellent second.
Other ways to avoid ticks and mosquitoes are to wear long sleeves and pants while outside and stay clear of tall grass, shrubs and swampy wetlands.
Grill and food safety
Summer is the season for grilled burgers and hot dog dinners with the whole family, but before the grill is turned on, here are some tips to keep everyone safe.
According to the American Red Cross, grilling is not allowed indoors or in an enclosed space like a tent or camper. Place the grill away from tree branches, home decks, or anything that can catch fire. Ensure everyone is away from the grill, especially young children and pets. Never leave the grill or barbeque unsupervised, and to keep the chef safe, buy long-handled cooking tools.
Picnics are also a fun way to eat outdoors with the family, and food safety is important. Bring a meat thermometer to ensure all meat is cooked enough to eat. Perishable foods like raw hot dogs or ice cream should be kept out of the sun. Keep raw meat, seafood and chicken separate from other foods like salad ingredients, fruit, desserts and cheeses. To prevent cross-contamination, use separate serving utensils.
Let's not forget our furry family members
There are safety tips to keep all family members safe, which includes the four-legged member this summer.
Never leave pets in hot cars, even if it's for a few minutes, because the temperatures inside of a car can get dangerously hot quickly even if the windows are open.
Like humans, pets can get heat stroke, especially dogs with short snouts, overweight pets, ones with thick fur coats, or pets with upper respiratory problems such as laryngeal paralysis or collapsing trachea.
Heavy panting, increased anxiety or restlessness, brick-red gum color, fast pulse rate, and inability to get up are signs of heat stroke in pets. If your pet's temperature is above 105 degrees, you need to immediately cool down your pet. According to the American Red Cross, hosing down your pet with water is the easiest way to cool your pet's temperature until it reaches 103 degrees. After cooling down your pet, take the pet to a veterinarian to be examined because heat stroke can cause serve damage to organs.
This article originally appeared on Gardner News: Summer safety tips while swimming and grilling, plus protecting pets
