Tips for Enjoying Fun in the Sun Safely

Summer’s here, which means everyone will spend more time in the sun. You may have even started planning all kinds of outdoor activities to do with your family, from local trips with young children, to full blown vacations. There’s a lot to look forward to in the coming warm weather months. That's why we've compiled tips for enjoying fun in the sun safely.

 

Water and Pool Safety  

A dip in the water can feel incredibly refreshing on a hot summer day. Unfortunately, thousands of people get hurt or drown in swimming or boating-related accidents. According to the National Safety Council, drowning is among the top causes of preventable deaths in the US.

 

While anyone can be injured, children under age 15 are at a much higher risk. When heading to the pool, lake, or ocean, keep these tips in mind:

  • Keep an eye on children at all times. If you have more than one adult, take turns actively watching any children near the water.

  • Provide young children with an approved life jacket to wear while in and around the water. Children, teens, and adults should wear life jackets while on a boat.

  • Watch anyone who jumps or dives into the water.

  • Keep a cellphone nearby in case of an emergency.

  • Consider signing children up for swimming lessons.

 

Skincare in the Summer Sun  

Some sunshine is good for you. It’s essential for vitamin D production and bone health. It can also boost your mental health and improve your sleep. Too much of it, however, can have detrimental effects on your skin, including painful sunburn, skin dehydration, and an increased risk of skin cancer.

 

Here are a few tips to help you protect your family’s skin health from the blazing summer sun:

  • Apply sunscreen at least 30 minutes before going outdoors and reapply it often. Choose a variety that’s at least SPF 15 and protects against UVA and UVB rays. Make sure you use it even on cloudy days.

  • Keep children under age 1 out of the sun as much as possible. When outdoors, outfit them in lightweight, light-colored clothing that covers as much skin as possible.

  • Take frequent breaks in shaded areas.

  • Be extra careful between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. when the sun’s rays are strongest.

 

Avoiding Heat-Related Issues  

Michigan summers can get hot, with temperatures sometimes exceeding 80°F. In the extreme heat, your risk of a heat-related illness significantly rises, increasing the risk of visits to emergency rooms. Older adults, young children, and individuals with chronic health conditions are the most vulnerable.

 

The following tips can help you protect yourself and your family from heat exhaustion and heat stroke:

  • Heed excessive heat advisories. These warnings let you know ahead of time that it will be hot, and that you should take measures to keep yourself and your loved ones cool, hydrated, and safe.

  • Know the signs of heat-related illnesses. A person with heat exhaustion may be sweaty, tired, and nauseous. Their skin may also feel clammy. Heat stroke symptoms include confusion, an elevated temperature, dry and hot skin, and even seizures.

  • Stay indoors as much as possible between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.

  • Drink plenty of fluids throughout the day, even if you aren’t feeling particularly thirsty, and encourage your children to do the same. Drinking water can help you stay hydrated, but you should consider sports drinks if you’re going to be outside. Sports drinks will help you stay hydrated and replace the electrolytes you lose in the heat.

  • Never leave children or older adults in a parked car. Temperatures can climb to dangerous levels in less than 10 minutes.

 

Preventing Bug Bites  

Mosquitoes are prevalent in Michigan, particularly near some of the recreational lakes. Generally, their bites are nothing more than an itchy annoyance. However, some carry the West Nile virus, which, in some cases, can cause encephalitis or meningitis. Scratching mosquito bites can also lead to skin irritation and infections.

 

Ticks can cause problems, too. Some ticks can carry and transmit diseases when they bite.   

 

Here are a few quick tips to prevent bug bites:

  • Spray your clothing, arms, and legs with insect repellent. Avoid getting the repellent on cuts, scratches, rashes, and sunburned areas. If your child puts things in their mouth, be mindful of where you apply the spray so they do not ingest it. Wash bug spray off as soon as you come back inside.

  • Avoid being outdoors when bugs are most active — usually sunrise and sunset.

  • If you’re doing yard work or going on a hike, wear long sleeves, pants, and close-toed shoes or boots to keep ticks at bay.

  • Check for ticks before coming indoors and immediately remove any you find.

 

Picnic Safety  

Is it really summer if you haven’t eaten at least one meal outdoors? As wonderful as dining al fresco can be, food poisoning becomes a more significant risk during the warm weather. That’s because bacteria thrive around temperatures between 40°F(4°C) and 140°F(60°C) and have the potential to double in number in as little as 20 minutes.  

 

Whether you’re using an outdoor kitchen to prepare your food fresh or packing prepared items to take with you, here are a few picnicking safety tips to remember:

  • Clean and sanitize your cooler, cooking tools, and all containers you’ll be using to transport foods to your picnic site.

  • Keep raw foods separate from ready-to-serve. Avoid using the same utensils between raw and ready-to-serve foods, too.

  • Keep cold foods cold (under 40°F(4°C)) and hot foods hot (above 140°F(60°C)) until you’re ready to serve them. Store leftovers in the fridge within two hours, or one hour if it’s above 90°F(32°C) outside. Throw away perishable foods left out too long.

 

Staying Safe on the Playground  

Playgrounds offer a great place for young children to burn off excess energy. However, climbing, hanging, swinging, and sliding are not without dangers. Kids can trip, fall, scrape their knees, and face other potential injuries.

 

Here are a few ways to keep your kids safe on community playgrounds this summer:

  • Always keep a close eye on children as they play. Be mindful of kids as they walk or run near swings, and ensure they keep a safe distance to avoid getting accidentally kicked.

  • Avoid swinging with young children in your lap.

  • Test slides with your hand to ensure they aren’t too hot before your child slides down.

  • Look for exposed bolts and any sharp edges on equipment.

  • Follow sun and heat safety tips to avoid sunburn and heat-related illnesses while playing. Stay cool by taking breaks in shaded areas or heading indoors for a break. Bring plenty of water so everyone can stay hydrated.

 

Pet Safety  

Dogs enjoy spending time outdoors, too. Just like humans, they can benefit from fresh air and sunshine. And, just like their humans, dogs are at risk of various injuries and illnesses, including heat exhaustion, heat stroke, burns, and more.

 

If you plan to include your canine companion in your family’s summer fun, here are a few safety tips to note:

  • Bring a water bowl and make sure your dog stays hydrated.

  • Be sure your dog has access to a shady area to escape the sun’s rays and heat.

  • Avoid spending too much time outdoors, especially between the hours of 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. If possible, plan walks for early mornings and evenings.

  • Check the pavement with the back of your hand before letting your dog walk on it. If necessary, wait to take a walk or put booties on their feet to protect their paw pads.

  • Be mindful of your dog’s breed. Short-nosed (brachycephalic) breeds are more susceptible to breathing issues and overheating than others are.

  • Never leave dogs unattended in a parked car.

  • Make sure your dog is up-to-date on their vaccines as well as their flea and tick preventatives.

  • If you take your dog swimming, don't leave them unattended in the water. Consider a canine life jacket with a proper fit, too.

 

Summer Fun at Liv MultiFamily  

There’s a lot of fun to be had during the summer months. Liv wants to help you enjoy the season — and every other season — at one of our Michigan multifamily communities. With amenities like playgrounds, saltwater swimming pools, walking trails, bark parks, and community gardens, you’ll have no shortage of things to do right outside your front door. If you need to escape the heat, you can spend time in our community center or hang out in your comfortable, modern apartment. All of our communities are also a short distance to a range of attractions, including shopping, museums, and restaurants.

 

Are you ready to liv life to the fullest this summer and beyond? Visit Liv today to find the perfect community for you and your family.

Kids playing with their father and throwing water from buckets on him