As summer heats up, the Red Cross wants to keep you and your families safe during the long, leisurely days of the hot months ahead. While at the beach or camping out under the stars, keeping safety at the forefront ensures a happy and healthy summer for the whole family.
Water Safety
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), an average of 11 people die in the U.S. from unintentional drowning each day, and one in five of those are children 14 years or younger. To enjoy your beach day accident-free, choose an area to swim with a lifeguard on duty and be aware of beach warning flags before taking a dip to cool off. Beach flags warn of dangerous marine animals, high surf and strong currents. If you're caught in a rip current, stay calm and don't fight it. It's recommended to swim parallel to the shore until you're out of the current, then turn and swim back to the beach. If you can't swim to shore, float or tread water until you're free of the rip current, and then head towards the shoreline. You can call out for help or draw attention to yourself by waving your arms.
When planning a day at the beach with the family, ensure there is a designated "water watcher" whose sole responsibility is to keep an eye on everyone in and around the water. Constant, active adult supervision is essential in helping to prevent drowning. If you're looking for summer activities for the kids, sign them up for a swim class or a First Aid/CPR course with your local Red Cross provider. Taking a swim class instills confidence around the water, while a first aid class teaches kids what to do in case of an emergency.
Camping Safety
Are you more of a fresh mountain air person? Do you love long hikes during the day and roasting marshmallows by the campfire at night? Then, following a few simple steps will keep you and your loved ones safe during your summer adventures. Before heading out, be sure to pack a first aid kit with essentials to treat bug bites, sprains, minor cuts and bruises that could happen in the great outdoors. Plan ahead by taking a Red Cross First Aid/CPR course so that you're equipped with the knowledge to treat wounds, broken bones, bites and stings should help be delayed in more serious circumstances. Know the activity and endurance level of everyone in your group, as sprains and falls are the most common accidents to occur on the hiking trail. Look out for signs of dehydration and bring reusable water bottles and nutritious snacks such as trail mix, energy bars and whole fruit that do not require refrigeration. Dress for the weather by wearing light-weight clothing and appropriate footwear. Teach kids about sun safety at an early age and be sure to use a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of 15 or higher, even on cloudy days.
Grilling Safety
As the Fourth of July approaches, many Americans will be firing up their grills at the campground, family BBQs, or picnics. However, grilling is known to cause more than 10,000 home fires annually. To avoid this, always supervise a barbecue grill when in use. Don't add charcoal starter fluid when coals have already been ignited. Never grill in your home, camper, tent, or enclosed area. Keep the grill out in the open, away from the house, deck, tree branches, or anything that could catch fire. Equally important is ensuring everyone, including pets, stays away from the grill while in use. Invest in long-handled tools especially made for cooking on the grill to help keep the grill master safe.
Pet Safety
Let's not forget about our pets, as the summer heat can be just as dangerous for family pets. Never leave a pet inside a hot vehicle as temperatures can quickly reach 120 degrees even with the windows cracked open. Animals can suffer heat stroke, a common problem for pets in warmer weather. Dogs with short noses or snouts, like the boxer or bulldog, are especially prone to heat stroke, along with overweight pets and those with an extremely thick fur coat. Be on the lookout for warning signs of heat stroke in pets such as heavy panting, fast pulse rate and being unable to get up. If you suspect your pet has heat stroke, take their temperature rectally. Cool the animal down using a water hose if the temperature is above 105 degrees. Considering taking your pet to the vet as heat stroke can lead to severe organ dysfunction and damage. Pets are an extension of our families, and their health and well-being should be prioritized during the dog days of summer.
At the beach or the campground, you can stay safe this summer with help from the Red Cross. Download the free Red Cross First Aid and Swim apps for instant access to safety tips, or visit redcross.org/take-a-class to locate swim classes or First Aid/CPR courses in your area.