Making Safety Part of Your Summer Fun

By Samantha Simmons, MS

Summer in North Carolina is all about making memories. It's afternoons spent splashing in the pool, weekends at the lake, family beach trips, and backyard gatherings with friends. As temperatures climb and more people head outdoors, it's also the perfect time to remember that a little preparation can go a long way toward keeping everyone safe.

The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services (NCDHHS) is encouraging residents to make safety part of their summer plans by staying aware around water and taking precautions during periods of extreme heat. These simple steps can help prevent accidents and illnesses and ensure that summer memories are happy ones.

"Summer should be a time to enjoy the great outdoors and gather with family and friends," said Dr. Kelly Kimple, Director of the NCDHHS Division of Public Health. "By staying alert around water, taking heat seriously, and handling food safely, we can help keep our communities safe and healthy all summer long."

Water Safety Starts with Awareness

Whether you're floating in a pool, building sandcastles at the beach, or cooling off in a mountain lake, water is often at the center of summer fun. But even experienced swimmers can encounter unexpected dangers.

Drowning remains a serious public health concern and is a leading cause of death for North Carolina children ages 1 to 4. The good news is that many water-related tragedies can be prevented.

One of the best ways to help children stay safe around water is through swim lessons. Learning basic swimming and water safety skills can build confidence and teach children how to respond if they find themselves in trouble. However, swimming ability should never replace supervision.

Drowning can happen silently and in a matter of seconds, which is why adults should always keep a close eye on children and inexperienced swimmers.

When spending time around a pool, consider designating a "water watcher" — a responsible adult whose only job is to monitor swimmers. Taking turns among adults can help ensure someone is always paying attention and not distracted by phones, conversations or other activities.

Families with home pools should also make sure gates and doors are closed and locked when the pool is not in use. Removing ladders from above-ground pools and keeping rescue equipment nearby can provide additional layers of protection.

Natural bodies of water come with their own challenges. Lakes, rivers and oceans can have strong currents, changing depths and underwater hazards that aren't immediately visible. Before diving in, take a moment to learn about local conditions and follow posted safety warnings.

Water quality is equally important. If water appears bright green, blue-green, discolored, or covered in scum, it's best to stay out. These conditions may indicate harmful algal blooms that can cause illness in both people and pets. Swimmers should also avoid entering the water when they are sick to help prevent the spread of germs.

Staying Safe in the Summer Heat

After a morning at the pool or an afternoon at the ball field, the summer heat can take a toll on the body faster than many people realize.

North Carolina continues to experience hotter summers, and heat-related illnesses remain a concern across the state. Between May and September of last year, more than 5,700 emergency department visits were linked to heat-related illness.

Fortunately, preventing heat-related illness often comes down to a few simple habits. Start by drinking plenty of water throughout the day. If you're spending hours outdoors, don't wait until you're thirsty to hydrate. Bringing a reusable water bottle to the beach, park, or sporting event can serve as a helpful reminder to drink regularly.

Planning outdoor activities during the cooler morning or evening hours can also help reduce exposure to extreme heat. If you're mowing the lawn, going for a run or coaching a youth sports team, taking frequent breaks in the shade can help your body recover.

Choosing the right clothing can make a difference as well. Lightweight, light-colored and loose-fitting clothes help your body stay cooler and more comfortable. Don't forget sunscreen, sunglasses and a hat for additional protection from the sun's rays.

It's also important to know the signs that your body may be overheating. Symptoms such as dizziness, headache, nausea, weakness, confusion or a rapid pulse could signal heat exhaustion or heat stroke. If these symptoms occur, move to a cool location, drink water and seek medical attention if symptoms don't improve.

Young children, older adults, pregnant individuals, athletes, outdoor workers and people without access to air conditioning are especially vulnerable during periods of extreme heat. Checking in on neighbors, relatives and friends can make a big difference during a heat wave.

Make Safety Part of the Adventure

Summer adventures should end with stories to tell, not trips to the emergency room. Whether you're swimming at the lake, cheering from the sidelines at a baseball game or relaxing with family in the backyard, a few simple precautions can help everyone stay safe.

By learning water safety skills, supervising swimmers, staying hydrated and recognizing the signs of heat-related illness, North Carolinians can enjoy everything summer has to offer while protecting themselves and those around them.

After all, the best summer memories are the ones that are both fun and safe.

For more information on summer safety tips, visit the NCDHHS Division of Public health blog.