Summer Safety Tips

As the temperatures rise and the days get longer, summer invites us outdoors for fun, adventure, and relaxation. But while the season is full of sunshine and good times, it also brings unique safety risks that are easy to overlook. From heat-related illnesses to water hazards and sunburns, staying safe in the summer requires a bit of planning and awareness, which is why the National Safety Council (NSC) provides some important summer safety tips.

Beat The Heat

Before you dive into summer fun, take a moment to check out these essential safety tips that can help you stay cool, comfortable, and out of harm’s way. Let’s start with one of the biggest risks of the season, heat related illness. Heat-related illness can sneak up on you, especially during the hottest parts of the day. Here’s how to stay cool and healthy and avoid any risks:

Drink plenty of fluids, even if you don’t feel thirsty.
Replace salt lost from sweating by drinking fruit juice or sports drinks.
Wear loose lightweight clothing and a hat.
Wear sunscreen; sunburn affects the body’s ability to cool itself.
Pace yourself when you run or otherwise exert your body outside.
Use air conditioning to cool off if necessary.

Bug Safety

Mosquitoes and other insects aren’t just annoying; they can carry diseases. Here’s how to keep bites at bay:

To prevent mosquito bites, use Environmental Protection Agency-registered insect repellant with DEET and wear long-sleeve shirts and long pants.
Read product labels when using insect repellant and apply as directed.
Do not leave doors or windows propped open.
Once a week, scrub or empty planters, birdbaths, vases, and flowerpot saucers; mosquitoes lay their eggs in standing water.

Water Safety

Whether you’re in a pool, lake, or ocean, water safety is no joke. Stay safe with these tips:

Don’t go in the water unless you know how to swim; swimming lessons are available for all ages.
Never swim alone.
Learn CPR and rescue techniques.
Make sure the body of water matches your skill level; swimming in a pool is much different than swimming in a lake or river, where more strength is needed to handle currents.

Bike Safety

Cycling is great exercise and fun for the whole family, but visibility and gear are key, below are some tips:

Wear neon, fluorescent or other bright clothing.
Whenever possible, ride during the day.
If you must ride at night, wear reflective clothing and use flashing lights.
Most importantly, wear a helmet!

Walking Safety

Even a simple stroll can turn risky without the right precautions. Whether you’re taking an evening walk or heading out for errands, it’s important to stay alert and follow basic pedestrian safety:

Whenever possible, walk on the sidewalk; if no sidewalk is available, walk facing traffic.
Follow the rules of the road, obeying all traffic signs and signals.
Cross streets at crosswalks.
If no crosswalk is available and your view is blocked, move to a place where you can see oncoming traffic.

Summer is a time to relax, recharge, and reconnect, just don’t forget to put safety first. With a little awareness and some smart habits, you can enjoy everything the season has to offer while keeping yourself and your loved ones out of harm’s way. For a full list of summer safety tips from the NSC, feel free to visit here. Everyone at ICC The Compliance Center hopes you stay cool, stay alert, and have a safe and sunny summer!