Summer Safety Tips

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It’s summertime, and many of us are having some fun in the sun! From heading to the beach, barbecuing with the family, taking the boat out, or just throwing the football around, it’s no doubt that we are more active in the summer. With all this activity, one can expect an increased risk to get hurt outdoors. A study done by BMI Healthcare indicates that there is a 20% increase in sports related injuries in the summer. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration also reports that July and August have the highest number of fatal crashes. Specifically, July 3rd and 4rd are two of the deadliest days on the road. Summer months bring in the most emergency room visits as well as product related injuries. It is important for children to wear sunscreen. According to a Kids Health safety study, 50% of children will tan or damage their skin by the age of 2. It is these children that are 200% more likely to develop melanoma and other types of skin cancer. No one wants to take an unexpected trip to the emergency room or have life long repercussions. Be sure to check out these tips for having a safer and more enjoyable summer.

Boating

• Make certain your trailer is in proper working order and that your lights work and your boat is secure on the trailer before you travel to your destination.
• Never jump a wake. If crossing a wake, cross at low speeds and keep a close lookout for skiers and towables.
• Check the weather forecast for your destination. Plan clothing, equipment and supplies accordingly.
• Don’t mix boating with alcohol or drugs.
• Ensure that children wear appropriately-sized, U.S. Coast Guard approved life jackets when in a boat, near open bodies of water, or participating in water sports.

Swimming

• Ensure that you use SPF 30 or higher sunscreen.
• Stay within arm’s reach for children under 5 swimming.
• Never leave kids unattended by a pool no matter what their ages or swim capabilities are.
• Do not use air-filled “swimming aids” or floaties as a substitute for approved life vests.
• Remove all toys from the pool after use so children aren’t tempted to reach for them.
• Ensure that swimmers swim parallel to shore so as not to get caught in a rip tide

​ATV

• Ensure that the driver of the ATV is driving an ATV appropriate for his/her size/age group.
• Wear a helmet, long pants, and closed toe shoes.
• Be sure to stick to designated trails or trails that you know very well.
• Children under the age of 12 should not operate an ATV.
• Ride with proper posture: Head up, eyes looking ahead, shoulders relaxed, back straight, elbows bent, hands on the handlebars, feet on the footrests, toes straight ahead, knees tucked in.

Grilling

• Never bring charcoal grills inside. Burning charcoal can cause deadly carbon monoxide.
• Check grill hoses for cracking, brittleness, holes, and leaks. Make sure there are no sharp bends in the hose or tubing.
• Never leave a grill with a flame unattended

Bicycle riding

• Make sure that the bicycle is the appropriate size for the rider’s age/size.
• Make sure that children wear a helmet when riding. Look for a label or sticker that says the helmet meets the CPSC safety standard.
• Only ride designated trails or well-known areas
• Make sure kids under 10 use foot brakes as opposed to hand brakes

General

• Make sure dogs are chained on leashes 6ft or less when walking them.
• Use softer-than standard baseballs, safety-release bases and batting helmets with face guards to reduce baseball-related injuries to children.
• Make sure your home playground is safe by using at least 9 inches of wood chips or mulch.
• Wrap ankles, wrists, and or knees when playing contact sports outdoors to protect area from injury.
• Always wear bug spray when going out doors to protect yourself from West Nile, especially in damp areas.