DENVER, Colo. (May 7, 2026) — Summer is here, the time to enjoy the great outdoors and warm weather. But it's important that everyone enjoy an emergency free summer, so the American Red Cross of Colorado offers steps you can follow to help keep you and your loved ones safe throughout the summer.

"Across Colorado, people love to go outdoors in the summer to hike, bike, swim or camp," said Andrea Miller, regional chief executive officer of the Red Cross of Colorado and Wyoming. "However, Colorado's unique experiences bring with them unique risks that require careful planning. You can find more summer safety topics at redcross.org/summersafety."

If you're headed to a remote area with limited access to phone service and emergency help, being prepared for a potential emergency is critical:

• If an outdoors adventure is in your plans, know the level of ability of the people in your group and the environment around you. Plan accordingly. Choose trails that match your experience.
  • Check weather forecasts ahead of time and be prepared for sudden changes in weather. Have a way to monitor updates before and during your trip, and check in with park rangers when you arrive for the latest information.
  • Remember, no place outside is safe when thunderstorms are in the area. If you are caught outside in a thunderstorm, keep moving toward a safe shelter. When thunder roars, go indoors!
  • Outdoor activities at higher altitudes require additional preparation and precautions, especially if you are not yet acclimated to altitude.
• Pack a first aid kit to handle insect stings, sprains, cuts and bruises and other injuries that could happen. Sprains and falls are some of the most common misfortunes travelers may face. Falls are the biggest threat, many due to poor decision-making, lack of skill or not being properly prepared. Dehydration is also a danger, especially at altitude.
• Take a Red Cross first aid and CPR course and download the First Aid app so that you will know what to do in case help is delayed. You'll learn how to treat severe wounds, broken bones, bites and stings and more.
• Share your travel plans and locations with a family member, neighbor or friend.
• Bring nutritious food items and water, light-weight clothing to layer and supplies for any pets. Wear sunscreen and a hat.

Swimming in Lakes, Rivers and Streams

Being water competent in natural water requires additional knowledge and skills than in the pool. Whenever you are near a lake, river, stream or other natural water environment, watch and prepare for:

• Unexpected changes in air or water temperature.
• Thunder and lightning leave the water immediately if you see lightning or hear thunder, even if the storm appears far away.
• Fast-moving currents, waves and rapids, even in shallow water.
• Hazards, such as dams, underwater obstacles, or rocks and debris.
• Vegetation, animals and fish.
• Drop-offs that can unexpectedly change water depth.
• Other people's activities in the same waters, such as boating.

Swim safely and sober; always enter water feet first and only dive in areas clearly marked as safe for diving. Don't enter water from a height, such as a bridge or boat, as you may not be able to see what lies under the surface.

Always wear a life jacket when boating, canoeing or kayaking, as well as in open water or cold water.

Camping

Camping is becoming more popular every year ─ in 2025, camping saw its second highest year on record with an estimated 82.4 million people enjoying this outdoor activity. Camping safety follows many of the tips for other outdoor activities, but also includes the following:

• Build campfires at least 25 feet away from tents, shrubs and anything that can burn.
• Use a metal screen over wood-burning fires to keep sparks from floating out.
• Turn off or put out fires before you leave the area.
• Watch children closely and store matches and lighters where they can't get them.

About the American Red Cross:

The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides comfort to victims of disasters; supplies about 40% of the nation's blood; teaches skills that save lives; distributes international humanitarian aid; and supports veterans, military members and their families. The Red Cross is a nonprofit organization that depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to deliver its mission. For more information, please visit redcross.org or CruzRojaAmericana.org, or follow us on social media.