As the summer sun beckons outdoor enthusiasts to parks, trails, and waters, it's crucial to prioritize safety alongside the thrill of sports and activities. Throughout June, July, and August, hospital emergency room visits significantly increase to 40,700 visits during the summer months. Whether hiking through rugged terrain, cycling along scenic routes, or enjoying water sports in lakes or oceans, adhering to safety guidelines can make all the difference between a memorable adventure and a potential mishap. Here are essential tips to ensure your summer sports are enjoyable and safe.
- Plan your hike. Before you start your adventure, choose suitable trails for your experience and check the weather. Trails have different difficulty ratings and terrain, so choose the right trail for your skillset. Additionally, ensure the forecast is clear, as bad weather can put you in a potentially dangerous situation.
- Pack essentials. Don’t forget to bring water, sun protection, navigation tools, bug spray, and a first-aid kit. The summer heat can quickly lead to dehydration, so prepare to bring enough water for the duration of your hike. A good rule of thumb is to drink half a liter of water per hour. Not only can hiking lead to dehydration, it can lead to sunburns and heat stroke. Avoid a nasty sunburn by actively reapplying sunscreen during your hike.?
- Dress appropriately. Choose lightweight clothing that covers your skin to protect against sunburns and insect bites. Wear sunglasses and a wide-brim hat to provide yourself with additional sun protection. You can wear a hat with a neck flap or a bandana to protect your neck. For footwear, choose sturdy, comfortable hiking shoes with good traction to prevent slips and blisters.
- Pace yourself. Start your hike early to avoid the hottest part of the day and potential crowds. Listen to your body and take breaks in shaded areas to replenish your energy levels.?
- Respect nature and leave no trace. Respect wildlife by observing from a distance and being conscious of your noise levels. Never feed or approach wild animals, and learn to identify poisonous plants. When leaving the area, make sure to pack up all of your trash and dispose of it properly
Water Sports (Kayaking, Floating, Canoeing, etc.)
- Wear a life jacket. To prevent any potential accidents, wear a US Coast Guard-approved life jacket while around water to keep you safe. Many people do not expect to end up in the water and drown as a result.
- Use sun protection. Wear SPF 30 and above to protect your skin from harmful UV rays. Being on the water can increase your risk of sunburn as water reflects 10% of the sun’s rays. Wide-brim hats and light clothing can reduce sun exposure while keeping you cool in the summer heat.?
- Use the buddy system. Always partake in water sports with one or multiple friends. If something goes wrong, a friend can call 911 and assist you. Not only do buddies help you in the case of an emergency, they also make you more visible to boaters and other people in the area.?
- Learn water and boating safety. Prepare for your day on the water by learning proper water safety by enrolling in swimming classes, learning CPR, and keeping a watchful eye on your peers. Take a boating safety course and know the rules before setting sail. Never drink while operating a boat; ensure you have a first-aid kit on board.?
- Wear a helmet. Wearing a helmet can protect you from serious injury. The American College of Surgeons states that wearing a helmet can reduce your risk of head injury by 48% and fatal injury by 34%. Many states have mandatory helmet laws, so check if your state applies.?
- Follow traffic laws. Obey all traffic devices, stop lights, and stop signs, and stay in your lane. By following these laws, you can prevent yourself from becoming a victim of a serious accident and protect others in the process.?
- Use hand signals. When turning, use hand signals to signal to other cyclists or drivers which direction you are turning in. Extend your left arm and turn your forearm towards the ground to show that you are stopping. To turn left or right, extend your arm in the appropriate direction.?
- Be visible. You may be hard to spot if biking at night or in a busy area. Wear bright-colored reflective clothing and add reflective pieces to your bicycle. To increase visibility for other drivers, position yourself in areas where you’ll be seen. Avoid being in a driver’s blind spot and adjust as needed.
- Maintain your bike. Taking proper care of your bike will prevent mishaps while cycling. If you ride regularly, bring your bike to an experienced mechanic twice a year for a tune-up.
- Ride with traffic. Ensure you're riding with traffic flow so drivers can see you. Do not ride against the flow of traffic. Ride at a safe speed that allows you to react quickly to unexpected circumstances. Yield to other pedestrians and vehicles.?
