Summertime Safety Tips by Sweet Lawyers Attorneys at Law

Summer is the perfect time for outdoor activities in California. School is out and the weather is nice and hot, which means people seize the opportunity for biking, boating, road trips, and other outdoor activities. That also means it is time for some summertime safety tips to keep you and your family happy and healthy.

Unfortunately, this increased amount of activity also opens the door to many more chances of potential accidents and injuries. To help keep you safe, here are some safety tips to make your summer the best it can possibly be.

Wear Sunscreen/Insect Repellent

The sun’s rays can be extremely harmful to people of all ages and skin tones. Whenever you are participating in outdoor activities, be sure to apply sunscreen generously. In addition, reapply every hour you are outside.

If you are in an environment where insects may be around, such as in the woods, be sure to wear insect repellent as well. Not only can bug bites be uncomfortable and itchy, but bugs may also carry with them diseases. As a result, that can spread much more quickly in the summer months when more people are outside.

Remember Your Helmet

Whenever riding bikes, roller blades, skates, or any kind of small motorized vehicles such as motorized bikes and scooters, be sure to wear a helmet. Wearing a helmet reduces the chance of serious head and brain by 85%. If applicable, knee and elbow pads should also be worn, especially by young children who may have a higher risk of falling.

Practice Proper Water Safety

A vast number of accidental deaths occur during the summer due to drowning. Whenever you are by the water, be sure to stay extra vigilant. Keep an eye on your children at all times, and make sure they wear the proper flotation devices as applicable. Never go into the water alone; always be sure you are using the buddy system.

Also, don’t run on areas that can easily become slippery when wet, such as pool or boat decks. Sometimes, you may not be able to tell that an area is slippery until you are already slipping. Since one of the most common causes of drowning is hitting your head and falling unconscious into the water, it’s best to make sure you walk, not run.

It is also important to note that operating any kind of motor vehicle, including boats and jet-skis, while under the influence of alcohol or other drugs, is just as illegal and dangerous as drunk driving. In general, if you are on the water, it is probably best to keep any alcoholic beverages until after you’re done. That is because many water-based adult deaths occur due to intoxication on watercraft or before swimming.

Drink Plenty of Water

With the heat of a California summer, it can be very easy to become dehydrated, especially if you are exerting yourself in outdoor activities. Be sure to drink plenty of water to keep yourself hydrated, and to avoid potential complications like heat stroke. You can never bring with you too much water, so always be sure to pack a little extra with you wherever you go, just in case.

Drive Carefully

Summer can be an especially dangerous time to drive. Tourists and visitors driving in an unfamiliar place, an increase of bicyclists, and drivers generally acting more careless are all reasons to keep some extra focus on the road while you drive. Keep your car well-maintained, too, especially on long road-trips, as a breakdown in the middle of the heat can not only be miserable, but also extremely dangerous.

Get Your Training In

If your summer plans involve some kind of special equipment or a decent amount of skill, such as dirt biking, jet skiing, off-roading, or even drone flying, it is probably in your best class to take a class or, if a class is not available, to start out with the basics.

Certain pieces of equipment may require a certain amount of training or even a license before you are allowed to operate them. As a result, be sure to follow the rule of law for any activity you may be looking to do.

Also, don’t jump into anything without making sure you are totally ready. Not only to avoid any dangerous situations, but also to avoid any fines you might incur for not having the proper training behind you.

Keep Away From Wild Animals

If you are taking some time this summer to enjoy the wild outdoors, be aware and respectful of any wildlife around you. Wild animals can often be drawn to campgrounds with the promise of food they can forage in the trash or from the campsites of unwary tourists.

If you cross paths with an animal, it is best to keep your distance. Most animal attacks only occur if the animal is provoked. And remember, bees, deer, dogs, and cows all kill a much larger number of people annually than alligators or bears.

Beware of Hot Cars

This rule is more than just summertime safety tips. Hot cars are one of the top killers of young children and pets, especially during the hot summer months. Be sure to NEVER leave a child inside your car for any amount of time as the temperature spikes.

If you must leave your pet in the car, be sure it is for a very limited amount of time. Also that the windows are rolled down enough that cool air can enter the vehicle. Still, temperatures inside cars raise very quickly, so make sure this time is as limited as possible.

Get the Proper Insurance

Whether you are travelling or using some kind of special equipment, chances are, there’s some kind of insurance for it. Whenever possible, be sure to get the proper insurance for any activity you may be participating in. While you may not see the point ahead of time, you will certainly see the point if you get into an accident, and it is always better to be safe than sorry.