Summer is such a fun time of the year, from planning your next vacation to grilling outside with your entire family or finding the nearest pool to soak up the hot summer sun. Although this could also mean some injuries could be more likely to occur. This is why we need to be careful and always be aware of safety tips while we enjoy our time outside. Here are some tips to ensure you have a fun and safe summer!

Drink Lots of Water.

We all love being outside, but we also need to make sure we drink enough water to keep from dehydration and heat exhaustion. The best way to keep from dehydration is by following the 8×8 rule every day. The 8×8 rule says you should drink eight 8oz glasses of water per day.

Practice Water Safety.

The best part about Summer is swimming in a pool, lake, or even the ocean, but this also means you need to be careful even if you are an advanced swimmer. The most important tip is to always swim with a buddy and keep a floatation device with you.

Protect your Skin from the Sun.

The best way to protect your skin from the sun’s harmful rays is by wearing at least 30 SPF sunscreen and reapply every 2 hours. Also, do not forget to wear sunglasses with 100% UV protection to keep your eyes protected from direct sunlight.

Beware of Bugs.

The best way to prevent bug bites is by applying bug repellent when outdoors, but make sure it has at least 20% DEET and reapply as directed on the label. It is also helpful to cover up when outdoors by wearing pants, long-sleeved shirts, and closed-toed shoes, especially in grassy areas.

Be Safe Shooting Fireworks.

Summer is the best time to watch fireworks, but keep in mind they can be very dangerous as well. Always make sure you are at a safe distance immediately after lighting fireworks. Never point fireworks towards another person or try to re-ignite a firework. Lastly, it is always a good idea to keep a bucket of water or hose close, just in case anything backfires.