Summer is just around the corner, and as the weather heats up, so do the risks involved with being outdoors in the heat. Summer safety is incredibly important for everyone to have a good time, whether you're at the beach, having a picnic in the park, or cooking out with friends.

Stay Hydrated

In hot weather, it's easy to get dehydrated before you realize it. Hydrating in the summer can be tricky because you may be sweating a lot. Get used to carrying a bottle of water with you wherever you go, and skip the sugary sports drinks.

Aim to drink 68 to 135 ounces of water per day, which is about two to four liters. 

Sun Safety

Skin cancer is one of the more common types of cancer, and you can prevent it by wearing sunscreen of at least 35 SPF any time you go outdoors. Yes, even on an overcast day! Other things you can do to stay safe from the sun:

• Wear a hat with a large brim to protect your face
• Wear sunglasses to protect your eyes
• Opt for loose-fitting or moisture-wicking clothing
• Avoid going into the water for about 30 minutes after putting on sunscreen so that you don't wash it off.

Avoid Bugs

While summer is the perfect time to get outdoors and go hiking, camping, and have barbecues, dealing with insects is no picnic. If you're going to be in the woods, make sure to wear long sleeves, long pants, and tuck your pants into your socks. It might look nerdy, but you'll better prevent ticks from making a snack out of your skin. 

You should also always wear insect repellant, regardless of your outdoor activity, to ward off mosquitos, thrips, and other pests. It's a wise idea to have an EpiPen on hand, as well, if anyone in your group has even the most minor allergy to bees, hornets, or other insects. 

Buckle Up

With the weather being nicer, more people will be riding bikes, scooters, and skates. Along with always buckling your seat belt when you're in a car, make sure you always buckle up when it comes to head protection! A helmet can absolutely save your life if you're in an accident while riding anything with wheels.

Water Safety

Whether you're in the ocean or in the pool, never swim without supervision. Even the most seasoned swimmers can suffer from medical emergencies while in the water. 

Never, ever use "floaties" on children. While you and the child may feel safer with them, the truth is that they are actually quite dangerous and can lead to carelessness when supervising a child swimming.

They can also make a child feel confident that they know how to swim after using floaties, when in fact they do not. There have been many stories of children drowning after going near a body of water without adult supervision because they overestimated their ability to swim.

Grilling Safety

Who doesn't love a good grilled steak or portabello mushroom in the summer? While it may be tempting to have a beer or two while you're grilling for your friends and family, resist that urge and drink some water instead. Not only are you less likely to get hurt, but you often don't realize how overheated and dehydrated you're becoming while standing in front of a hot grill. 

Food Safety

Cooking out is fun, but stay away from that potato salad that's been sitting on the picnic table in the sun for hours. You should also avoid letting any raw meats get warm, and keep your red meat, poultry, and seafood separated until it's time to cook. 

Boat Safety

Always wear a lifejacket on a boat, even if you think the water isn't deep. You never know what may happen, and that lifejacket can save your life. And like with any water activities, always keep an eye on children.

Final Thoughts on Summer Safety Tips

As you're getting ready to plan your summer adventures, we hope you take the time to also plan how you're going to stay safe. If you want to learn more about summer safety, contact us today.

Use discount code: VIPSummer for 10% off. Valid until the 9th of July, one use per customer. Only valid for online retail orders.