From Sun to Surf: 10 Summer Safety Tips

A cold, drippy ice cream cone filled with pastel, creamy goodness. The sound of waves lapping the shore. And that cozy feeling of gathering around a campfire to share stories and enjoy s’mores.

These are among the best parts of summertime, that part of the year when everyone feels a little more adventurous.

However, to protect those precious moments, it’s smart to be mindful of where, when and how to exercise caution. This can help you to avoid accidents, injuries and theft.

Below are some of our best summer safety tips:

1. Pack your sunscreen (and some water). Most sunburns are minor, but serious ones can lead to blistering, high fever, headaches, chills, confusion and possibly worse. Meanwhile, dehydration can occur if you don’t drink enough fluids.

Remember: Even during overcast, humid days can result in a burn or dehydration, leading to discomfort that can linger. But with the right sunscreen, UV-protective clothing and frequent sips of water, you can keep that feel-good summer vibe going from Memorial Day to Labor Day.

2. When near water, make sure everyone knows how to swim. Investing in swimming lessons is as much about giving the kids a great way to burn energy as protecting them near pools, rivers, streams and the ocean. Yet it’s important to avoid assuming that every teen or adult knows how to swim.

Ready access to life vests and other safety equipment for all ages provides an extra level of safety, especially if you’re hosting guests poolside or at your lake house. And note that the American Red Cross, gyms and recreation centers are good resources to learn more about local novice swim classes for all ages.

3. Keep an eye out for standing water, since summer is breeding season for disease-carrying mosquitoes. Sure, it’s hot and dry in Texas during summertime, but water can just as easily collect from sprinklers, water hoses and rain showers.

Any pool of water has the potential to create the perfect situation for mosquitoes to breed. That’s why checking for and removing standing water routinely helps reduce the spread of insect-borne diseases.

Have a deck or patio fountain? A water feature in your lawn? Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for care and maintenance and consider purchasing “mosquito dunks” to help keep the bugs out of your water.

4. Whether on water or land, make sure you’ve got the right safety equipment for sporting activities. As much as we may relish the idea of hopping on a bike or heading out for a game of softball on the fly, it’s always smart to take the time to grab safety gear.

Bike helmets, arm or knee pads and the right shoes are essentials in active households. And it’s good to double-check everything periodically to ensure it’s all in good shape.

5. Use caution near flames. In the right conditions, a single open flame on your patio at dusk can be as risky as a BBQ or fire pit. And then there’s fireworks, a seemingly innocent tradition that can spark a blaze.

Always practice caution around flames and encourage the same of kids and teenagers.

6. Make sure road vehicles and watercraft are in good working order. Keeping your ride ready involves routine care and maintenance, especially for vulnerable components such as tires and boat hulls.

Make sure you’ve got the right safety equipment (e.g., fire extinguisher, first-aid kits) and that your crew knows where they’re located. Consider taking a safety class – something that might be useful for older teens, too.

7. Keep a close eye on younger people. Whether playing in the water, running across the grass or learning to drive on the highway, kids and teens who set out for adventure may experience summertime accidents and injuries.

It’s wise to talk about safety measures regularly and in age-appropriate ways while setting firm rules and boundaries as necessary.

8. Remember your safety gear, suitable clothing when doing yard work. Something as simple as an errant rock caught in a lawnmower blade can potentially cause harm, so wearing eye protection and the proper clothing (long-sleeve shirts and pants with closed-toe shoes) is a smart move.

9. Use theft-deterrent devices for your car and home. With more people out and about when the weather is nice, there’s often a seasonal uptick in burglaries and thefts. Lock your doors and use protective devices. (And remember to keep packages and other desirable items out of sight from prowlers.)

10. Make time for fun and self-care, even if you’re busy. As fun as summer can be, it can also result in a lot of “extra” activities. With that can come a fair amount of stress for the grownups! So, take care of yourself. Make a point to work in time to relax every day. Keep any necessary prescriptions current. And, if needed, don’t forget to schedule a checkup with your health care provider or dentist.

Whatever the season, it’s wise to check that you’ve got the right insurance to protect what matters most – you, your family and your property.

Finally, if you’ve got insurance questions or concerns related to summer fun, trust that RBFCU Insurance Agency is here to help. Contact us today for a free quote or consultation.

1-888-564-2999 | insurance@rbfcu.org | rbfcu.org/insurance

Information in this article is general in nature and for your consideration, not as financial advice. Please contact your own financial professionals regarding your specific needs before taking any action based upon this information.

RBFCU Insurance Agency LLC is a wholly-owned subsidiary of RBFCU Services LLC. RBFCU Services LLC is affiliated with Randolph-Brooks Federal Credit Union (RBFCU). Insurance products are not deposits; are not obligations of the credit union; not NCUA insured; and not guaranteed by RBFCU Insurance Agency LLC, RBFCU Services LLC or RBFCU.