Summer is right around the corner. The days are longer, the sun beams down, and the semester is coming to a close.

Whether you’ll be spending your time at an internship or job, or whether you’ll be visiting the beach or pool often, it is important to stay aware of safe summer practices.

So, here are some tips for smart choices in various areas of summer life. You can never be too careful! 

Skin Safety 

Although we all love to have a nice tan, the threat of too much UV exposure is all too real.  

• Make sure to apply an appropriate amount of broad-spectrum sunscreen according to the directions. Remember to apply sunscreen to easy-to-forget areas like the back of your neck, tips of your ears and tops of your feet. 
• If you know you will be exposed to several hours of sun, consider wearing a hat, sunglasses and ultraviolet (UV) light-blocking clothing. 
• As we enjoy the warmer weather, the insects do too. So, protect yourself against tick bites, insect stings and rashes from plants: 
  • When outdoor activities take you into an area where there may be ticks, wear shoes, not sandals; long pants tucked into your socks; a long-sleeved shirt; a hat; and gloves. 
• Stay on designated trails when possible. Avoid walking through low bushes and long grass. 
• Use insect repellents with at least 20% DEET. Repellents with up to 30% DEET can be applied to children over 2 months old. Apply it to clothes and exposed skin but avoid your hands. 
• Before taking a drink from an opened beverage, inspect cans and straws to make sure your drink hasn’t attracted a stinging insect. 
• Mowing the lawn or trimming vegetation could disturb a beehive or wasp nest, so be aware of your surroundings. 
• Avoid contact with poison ivy, sumac or oak. Itching, reddening of the skin, blisters and hive-like swelling usually begins within 48 to 72 hours after exposure.

Water Safety 

There is nothing quite like a nice day at the beach, pool, or lake. In addition to keeping safe from the sun, we must be aware of the dangers swimming can pose. Making smart decisions can make the difference between a fun memory and a tragic day. 

• Don’t drive a boat or personal watercraft under the influence. 
• Keep pool gates closed at all times and consider an alarm to alert you if the gate is opened. 
• Before diving into a body of water, know the water depth and if there are any underwater obstacles. 
• Don’t go swimming alone.

Hydration and Food Safety 

Staying hydrated is especially important in the summer because hot weather and exercise leads to more water loss.  

• Start the morning off by drinking a glass of water as soon as you wake up, even before coffee. 
• Carry a water bottle wherever you go, maybe even set goals for yourself for water intake 
• If plain water becomes boring at times, you can add fruit and vegetables to enhance the flavor (and nutrients!) 
• If you like the carbonation of soda, try club soda, seltzer or sparkling water with a splash of fruit juice.

Perhaps you grill out, cook for yourself, or eat out during the summer. In any case, there are basic food safety precautions that can prevent issues like food poisoning. 

• Always wash your hands before you eat. 
• Make sure food is cooked properly and thoroughly.  
• Follow preparation recommendations for cooking temperatures to be sure meats and seafood are cooked all the way through. 
• When grilling, avoid using the same platters or utensils for uncooked and cooked meats. 
• Keep utensils and food covered until serving time, because flies, other insects and pets can carry germs or salmonella. 

Fireworks Safety 

Between Memorial Day and the Fourth of July, you may encounter some fireworks this summer at celebrations. Keep these guidelines in mind as you enjoy pyrotechnics. 

• Be sure to read and follow all safety information and instructions for proper use. 
• Keep small children away from fireworks. 
• Only use fireworks in an open area that is far from animals, buildings, brush or any combustible materials. 
• Skip fireworks completely if your area is at a high, very high or extreme level of fire danger. 
• Create a safety perimeter. For ground-based fireworks like fountains, have spectators view from at least 35 feet away. For aerial fireworks, this distance should be at least 150 feet. 
• Keep pets indoors. This ensures their safety and reduces stress for you and your pets. 
• Have a bucket of water nearby to cool used sparkler wires and extinguish other fireworks. Consider having a garden hose readily available to continually douse any accidental fires. 
• Never allow anyone under the influence of alcohol or drugs to use fireworks. 
• Light one device at a time. 
• Never hold or place a body part over a lit firework. 
• Never attempt to re-light a device that did not ignite the first time. 
• Once you light a firework, get away quickly. The warning labels on fireworks are there for a reason. 
• Soak all used and unused fireworks in water for a few hours before discarding them to ensure they won’t accidentally ignite during disposal. 
• Consider safer alternatives to fireworks like party poppers, bubbles, silly string or glow sticks. 
• Always call 911 in an emergency.

Vehicle Safety 

Lastly, you may be driving more often than you do during the school year, between working, vacations, and free time. You might also enjoy passing time by driving ATVs or similar vehicles. Keep these tips in mind if you do so! 

• Wear a helmet while on all wheeled vehicles, including ATVs, motorcycles, bicycles and skateboards. A helmet can reduce serious head injuries by up to 80%. 
• Adults should set a good example by wearing their helmets while biking or skating. 
• Follow seating guidelines on ATVs and use seatbelts when available on these vehicles. 
• Read the manufacturer’s guidelines for age and weight requirements on bikes or ATVs. 
• Don’t drive wheeled vehicles if you are under the influence. 

A lot of this may seem to be common sense, but as my mom always says, “It is better to be safe than sorry.” In the heat of the moment, things can go wrong if you don’t pay attention and keep these guidelines in mind.  

Whatever adventures you embark on this summer, I wish you safety, joy and growth. The community of Anderson will be here in the fall, ecstatic to hear all about your summer!  

“And so with the sunshine and the great bursts of leaves growing on the trees, just as things grow in fast movies, I had that familiar conviction that life was beginning over again with the summer.”  

― F. Scott Fitzgerald, The Great Gatsby