Author: Laura

Summer is here and that means most schools should be letting out for some fun in the sun and water. I have some safety reminders for you…in addition to the Fire Safety tips I posted earlier.

Use Sunscreen
Choose one that contains protection against UVA and UVB rays and a SPF of at least 15. It is best to apply 15-20 minutes before going outdoors.

Protect your eyes
UV radiation can cause damage to eye tissue, according to the American Academy of Ophthalmology. Eye damage due to UV radiation can cause snow blindness, cataracts, and mascular degeneration. Snow and water reflect the radiation so in environments rich in Snow or water these chances are higher for these. Where sunglasses with a special coating, and that block 99-100% of UVA and UVB rays, also be sure they wrap around to keep those pesky rays from sneaking in around the edges.

Cover up
Wear a hat, with at least a 4 inch brim all they around (ball caps don’t protect ears or neck).
Wear clothing that covers your neck, arms, and legs (tighter weaves block more rays)
Limit the time you spend outside between 10 am and 3 pm; the hottest part of the day.

Water Safety

Always swim with a buddy
Never drink alcohol before swimming.
Don’t swim in stormy weather.
Don’t chew gum in the water.
Never swim in the dark.

Pool Safety Rules
Obey all posted rules.
Dive only where diving is allowed. Dive only where the water is more than nine feet deep and you have at least 25 feet of clear water ahead. If you don’t know the depth, gently enter the water feet first; if you feet don’t touch the bottom, swim down to determine the depth.
Never jump on someone or push someone into the pool.
Never pretend someone is drowning. That can slow the time it takes to get help in an emergency.
Obey the lifeguard. He or she is there to keep you safe.

River and Lake Safety Rules
Swim only where swimming is allowed and where you are familiar with the water currents and depth.
Don’t swim where there is a strong current. Currents can carry away even the best swimmers.
Know your limits. Don’t let others persuade you to do things you are not comfortable doing.
Don’t dive into the water if you don’t know how deep it is.
Stay away from areas that are reserved for boats.

Ocean Safety Rules
Obey all posted rules.
Learn what warning flags on the beach mean. Don’t go into the water if a flag shows it is unsafe.
If you get caught in a current, swim across it, not against it.
Follow a lifeguard’s rules about how far you can swim from shore.

Special Tips for Parents
Watch children at all times when they are near water — even in a wading pool.
At pool parties, have adults take turns watching the children. That way, you will always know that someone is watching the kids.
If you have a pool, enclose it with a fence and a locked gate. (The law requires this in many states.) Remove toys from the area so that kids aren’t tempted to go near the pool. Hang signs with rules, such as “No playing in or around the pool unless an adult is present.” Enforce the rules.
Make sure baby-sitters know the safety rules about swimming.
Take a cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) class.
Check with your local American Red Cross chapter or YMCA about special life jackets for infants and children

Please be safe while enjoying the sun and water this summer. I have some camp fire safety somewhere, I will post it in a later blog.