Summer is the season of sun-kissed memories – backyard barbecues, sandy beaches, bike rides, and late-night stargazing. However, the warmer months bring unique safety challenges that can catch active families off guard if they’re not prepared.
From sunburns to scraped knees and dehydration to bug bites, summer’s surprises don’t have to slow you down. With a few simple precautions and the right tools on hand – like reliable first-aid essentials – you can make safety second nature and keep your focus where it belongs: on making the most of every sunny moment.
Here are a few smart, easy tips to help your family stay protected from the sun, heat, water hazards, and the inevitable bumps and bruises from outdoor play.
Shield Your Skin from Harmful Rays
The summer sun can be harsh, making it important to take steps to prevent sunburn, even if it’s partly cloudy or overcast. If you plan to be outside for more than 15 minutes, apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30 before heading outdoors. Remember to reapply to all exposed skin – including overlooked spots like your ears, neck and tops of feet – every two hours, or more often if you’re swimming or sweating.
Wearing protective clothing, such as wide-brimmed hats, sunglasses and light, long-sleeved shirts, can also help shield you from harmful UV rays. When possible, seek shade during peak sun hours, typically 10 a.m. - 4 p.m., to minimize direct exposure.
Be Prepared for Summer Scrapes
Accidents can happen anytime, especially during active summer days. Having a well-stocked first-aid kit, including bandages, antiseptic wipes, and ointments, can help you quickly address minor cuts, scrapes, and blisters.
It’s important to have the right bandages on hand for every situation. Bandages made with breathable and lightweight fabric and a four-sided seal are perfect for those hot summer days. While bandages infused with natural ingredients like soothing aloe vera, vitamin E, and baking soda offer a fresh approach to healing.
Keep the Fluids Flowing in the Heat
During the summer months, the heat can quickly lead to dehydration, which can cause dizziness, headaches, and even heat stroke. Drink plenty of water throughout the day, even if you don’t feel thirsty, to stay hydrated. Aim for at least 8-10 glasses of water (8 ounces each) each day, or more if you’re going to be spending an extended amount of time outdoors or engaging in physical activities like hiking, biking, or playing sports.
Keeping a refillable water bottle with you can make it easier to stay hydrated on the go and replenish the water your body loses through sweat. In addition to water, consuming hydrating foods like watermelon, strawberries, cantaloupe, cucumbers, and bell peppers can help maintain your fluid levels and regulate your body’s temperature. Also avoid excessive consumption of caffeinated or alcoholic beverages, which can contribute to dehydration.
Keep Pesky Insects at Bay
Summer evenings are perfect for outdoor activities, but they can also attract mosquitoes, ticks, and other pests. Protect yourself and your family by applying insect repellent on top of your sunscreen to all exposed skin and loose-fitting clothing. Reapply as needed, according to the instructions on the package.
Repellant fans, candles, torches, and bracelets may be good alternatives to spray or roll-on insect repellants. Wearing long sleeves and pants, especially in wooded or grassy areas, can also help prevent bug bites. Remember to check for ticks after spending time outdoors and, if found, promptly remove them by using clean tweezers and pulling straight upward. Avoid twisting, squeezing or burning ticks, which can lead to the release of saliva or cause the head to break off.
Have Fun in the Water, Safely
Summer is the perfect time to hit the pool, beach or lake, but remember to prioritize safety while enjoying the water. Always swim in designated areas and never swim alone. If supervising children, ensure they are within an arm’s reach and wearing properly fitting flotation devices.
Avoid alcohol when swimming or supervising swimmers, as it can impair your judgment and reaction times, and be aware of your surroundings, including weather conditions and water currents. Enrolling kids in swimming lessons can also contribute to a safer experience in the water.
Building Your Summer Scrape Kit
A summer first-aid scrape kit can be a lifesaver for those inevitable bumps, bruises, and blisters. Keep your family’s kit in a waterproof case and in an easily accessible place, such as your car, pool bag, or home first-aid cabinet. Make sure to keep it stocked with essentials for cuts, scrapes, burns, blisters, and beyond, such as:
- Antiseptic wipes for cleaning wounds
- Antibiotic or antimicrobial ointment to help prevent buildup of bacteria
- Bandages to treat minor cuts, scrapes, and blisters
- Non-latex gloves to protect hands from dirt and germs
- Hydrocortisone cream for bug bites and rashes
- Sunscreen to help prevent sunburn
- Aloe vera gel for sunburn relief
- Water bottles to stay hydrated
- Ear drops for preventing or treating swimmer’s ear
- Insect repellent to help prevent bug bites
- Tweezers for removing splinters and pests
- Pain-relieving medications such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen
- Ice packs to help slow inflammation and reduce pain
- Thermometer to check temperature
- Other medications for allergies, nausea, congestion, and more
For more resources and tips, visit Curad.com. Courtesy of Family Features and CURAD