Summer is a fun time to enjoy the outdoors but it also brings safety risks from sun exposure, heat-related illnesses, dehydration, and water activities. The document provides tips to minimize these risks such as wearing sunscreen, drinking plenty of water, taking breaks in the shade, and never swimming alone. Following basic safety precautions will help ensure a safe and enjoyable summer.

1. Summer Safety

2. • Summer is a fun time of the year. The cold of
winter is gone. The rains of Spring are behind us.
Sun and fun abound.
• While we’re out there enjoying the outdoors, we
should keep a few things in mind to ensure that our
fun doesn’t lead to problems that would keep us
from having fun.

3. • Sunburn
• The sun can provide many benefits to us. Too much sun,
however, can lead to painful burns on our skin.
• There are a few ways that you can minimize your chances
of getting sunburn and still enjoy the outdoors.
1. Use sunscreen.
2. Find shady spots to enjoy.
3. Limit your exposure to the sun.
4. Wear a hat and a light jacket or long sleeves.

4. • Sunstroke
• If you stay out in the sun too long on a hot day, you can
overheat.
• Take these simple steps to avoid sunstroke.
1. Drink lots of cool liquids.
2. Use a fan.
3. Stay in the shade.
4. If you still are too hot, sit in air conditioning for a while.

5. • Dehydration
• Our bodies consist of about 75% water.
• When it is hot out, we sweat to cool off and lose some of
the water in our bodies.
• This water needs to be replenished so we don’t become
dizzy, disoriented, and experience headaches and muscle
cramps.
• If you plan to go outdoors, remember to bring plenty of
water with you that you can drink to avoid dehydration.
• The more you sweat, the more you should drink. That way,
you can enjoy even more fun in the sun.

6. • Heat Index
• Heat index, a calculation that combines heat and
humidity, is a good indicator of whether/how long you
should spend outdoors.
• If it is extra muggy outside, the heat index is higher and it
feels hotter to you, making it tougher for your body to
withstand the heat.
• According to the U.S. Department of Labor, a heat index
of over 91 degrees can lead to health challenges for
people. You should take precautions such as drinking
cold water, wearing a hat, using a fan, and heading
indoors for some air conditioning if the heat index is
elevated.

7. • Sun Glare
• Your eyes are a precious resource.
• In order to protect your eyes from the glare of the sun, you
can do the following.
1. Wear polarized sunglasses.
2. Wear a baseball-style cap.
3. Sit in shady areas.

8. • Water Safety
• Experiences in lakes, pools, and rivers can be a fun part of
Summer activities.
• Staying safe near and in the water is very important.
• You can take several steps to keep yourself safe while you
have fun in and near the water.
1. Never swim alone.
2. If you go in the water, never dive in head first.
3. Stay near the shore of lakes and away from piers.
4. Wear a life jacket if you go boating.

9. • Bee Stings
• Bees become more active in the summer.
• Some people are very allergic to bee stings.
• As you enjoy Summer activities, here are a few tips to
keep from being stung by bees.
1. Close drink containers when you set them down.
2. Look at your chair seat before you sit.
3. Don’t swing your hand at bees to shoo them away.
4. Note the location of bee hives and stay away from
them.
5. If you are allergic to bee stings, always carry your
medication with you.

10. • Have fun this summer. Enjoy the great outdoors
and stay safe.