How to Stay Safe When Enjoying Summer Activities

With Memorial Day weekend approaching, many people are going to start heading to the beaches, strolling the boardwalks, and firing up their barbecues. There are countless things you can do during the summer while enjoying the comfortable warmth of the weather, but it’s important to know how to keep you and your children safe while doing these activities, so here are some tips on how to do so.

During the summer, I love to eat barbecued food as much as possible, and I’m sure you do as well. If you decide to have a big get-together and want to barbecue, you have to be especially careful if young children are present. When the grill is heating up and then cooking the food, always make sure that all children are a safe distance away. Also, keep any sharp grilling tools out of their reach.

If you’re going to be outside during the day and the heat is fairly strong, supply yourself with a sufficient coating of sunscreen as protection against sunburn and any illnesses caused by overexposure to the sun. If you plan on being outside at night, use some bug spray in order to fend off any pesky mosquitoes.

Some of the bigger safety measures you have to take during the summer is when you go swimming. If you’re a parent and take a young child to a pool or the beach, make sure you keep an eye on them so you know they don’t go into a deeper section of the water. In the event that your child is feeling daring and wants to venture into deep water, provide them with a set of water wings. As far as going in the water right after eating is concerned, recreational swimming shouldn’t cause a problem, but if you’re swimming as a form of exercise, you should wait an hour after you eat before going in.

If there is an occurrence of a heat wave, don’t go outside if you don’t have to; just stay inside and turn up the air conditioner. If you do have to go outside, remember to stay hydrated, use plenty of sunscreen, and don’t overexert yourself.

Going on a hike is another activity that you should consider when you have a beautiful day to enjoy. Before you go on a hike, make sure you have the right materials, such as enough water, some food, a first-aid kit, a cell phone, sunscreen, bug spray, and if you’re not familiar with the path you’re taking, make sure to bring a map with you. If you encounter a bear or any other sizable animal while on a hike, make sure you have an escape route.

This is the season where trying to avoid bicyclists on the road becomes something of a sport, but it’s important not to get frustrated with them. If you decide to go out for a relaxing summer drive on a sunny day, odds are that you’re going to encounter some bicyclists. Be careful that you don’t drive too close to them, and don’t try to speed past them; just wait for a chance to pass the bikers so everyone evades danger.

If you happen to be a biker, try to stay as much to the side of the road as possible in order to avoid vehicles, and if there’s a bike lane, stay in it. Although it’s better and safer to bike during the day, people sometimes might want to do it at night. If that’s the case, make sure you have a reflector on the front and back of your bike so the headlights of any vehicle coming towards you will spot you and know to be extra careful. Also, whenever you bike, whether it be by yourself or in a group, it’s very important to be familiar with the different hand signals. Lastly, always wear a helmet, elbow pads, and knee pads.

You want to have a much fun as possible during the summer, but that doesn’t mean you should disregard any safety precautions. If you ignore these and get injured, that’s going to prevent you from taking part in other recreational activities during the season. Remember, it’s okay to be adventurous, but you also have to be careful.

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