Summer is a time to kick back and relax, but it’s also a time to try new things and have some fun. There’s tons of different summer activities to choose from such as swimming, hiking, or going to rodeo’s/fair’s. With any of these things can come some risky situations so we’ve compiled a list of precautions you can take during your summer activities. 

•  Wear a lifejacket:

Swimming and water sports are very popular activities during the summer. A lot of these activities take place in uncontrolled environments such as lakes or rivers. So it is very important to wear or have access to a lifejacket. Lifejackets are actually required to be worn by children 12 and under by the US coast guard. They are heavily recommended to anyone else when boating or when around bodies of water. 

If you go to boatus.org you can look up what the life jacket requirements are in your state. There are lots of great reasons to wear a life jacket though such as:

• Life Jackets keep you face up so you don’t have to worry about staying flipped on your back
• Life Jackets keep you warm
• Life jackets reduce the initial impact if you’re tossed into the water
• This is arguably the most important part: They keep you from drowning!

• Wear sunscreen:

Summer time also brings a lot of sun exposure. This can be a good and bad thing for your body. Although vitamin D is a great thing for your body, sunburns can cause many different health issues. These include premature aging and skin cancer. For daily use, pick a sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30. If you spend time outdoors, choose a product with SPF 60 or greater. You should also reapply sunscreen throughout the day because it can come off or become less effective due to sweat or swimming. 

• Drink enough water:

During the summer months it is even more important to drink enough water. With rising temperatures the human body has to sweat more to keep itself cooled off. This means your body is losing a lot more fluids than normal. Dehydration can become a very serious problem if not taken seriously. Some of the symptoms of dehydration are dizziness, headache, low blood pressure, or dry mouth. Dehydration can also cause severe issues such as seizures, kidney failure, or death. Drinking water is a great way to prevent dehydration and all of its side effects. Bringing a reusable water bottle with you is a good way to remember to drink water. 

Sources:

1. Lifejacket Safety 
2. Sunscreen Tips
3. Dehydration Effects