Summer is a time for fun and adventure, but it is essential to observe safety precautions while out in the sun and fresh air. Accidents and injuries can quickly ruin an enjoyable outdoor experience. So, whether you’re going camping, bicycling your favorite routes, climbing in the mountains, or simply going to the beach or pool this summer, here are some safety recommendations to keep you safe on every outdoor trip in Benton City!
Apply (and Reapply) Sunscreen
Protecting oneself from the sun’s harmful UV rays is one of the finest ways to safely enjoy any outdoor activity. Sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30 is recommended to avoid sunburn and skin damage. Apply sunscreen over your whole body, including your ears, face, neck, and scalp, using a cream sunscreen instead of a spray.
If you are sweating or swimming, reapply sunblock every two hours at the very least. Because sunscreen only lasts a certain amount of time, it’s critical to reapply it throughout the day to ensure that you’re still covered.
Wear Protective Clothing
Wearing protective clothing is another excellent approach to guard yourself against the sun. Sun protection includes long-sleeved shirts and pants, caps, and sunglasses. Wearing a wetsuit or a rash guard while in the water can also help protect your skin from the sun’s rays.
Stay Hydrated
It gets hot and sunny, especially in the summer, so it is important to stay hydrated. Drink plenty of water all through the day, and keep a bottle of water with you at all times so you can get a drink whenever you need to. Caffeine and alcohol-containing beverages should be avoided because they exacerbate dehydration.
Bring some sports drinks with you if you’re going climbing or doing any other tough activity. Drink significantly more water than usual if you’re in the desert or at a high altitude.
Avoid Peak Hours
Avoiding being outside during peak hours is one of the best strategies to avoid dangerous UV radiation. The brightest solar rays occur between 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. Whenever feasible, schedule outside activities for early morning or late afternoon/evening because the sun is less intense at those times. This will keep you cooler and protect you from overexposure to the sun.
Know Your Limits – and Come Prepared
Outdoors, it is crucial to know your limitations. Begin with shorter hikes and work your way up if you aren’t used to hiking in the heat. If you’re new to camping, you might want to start with vehicle camping before moving on to backpacking.
It’s also important to be mindful of your own physical limitations. If you have a medical condition that makes being in the heat or cold difficult, take steps to keep safe and comfortable.
Finally, brush up on your basic first aid know-how and be familiar with the signs of heat exhaustion and heatstroke. It’s always best to err on the side of caution! When you go outside, make sure you have basic first-aid supplies on hand, such as cold packs, burn spray, aloe vera gel, bandages, itch cream, and pain medicines.
Watch Out for Wildlife
When you’re outside, stay aware of your surroundings and keep an eye out for animals. If you’re going hiking in the forests or mountains, be sure you know what kinds of animals reside there and how to avoid them.
Bears and mountain lions, for example, are more dangerous than other animals. However, if you’re not vigilant, even small animals can be dangerous. Snakes and spiders, for example, can be found in a variety of outdoor places, so knowing how to avoid them and what to do if they bite is essential.
Always Tell Someone Where You’re Going – and When You’ll Be Back
It’s crucial to let someone know where you’re going and when you’ll be back when you go on an outdoor trip. This is especially true if you’re traveling alone or in a far away area.
Someone must know where you are if something happens and you require assistance. So, before you go anywhere, even if it’s just to the neighborhood pool, leave a comprehensive itinerary with a friend or family member.
Following these safety precautions will allow you to enjoy all of your favorite outdoor activities while remaining safe from the sun and heat this summer. Therefore, go outside and enjoy the beautiful outdoors!
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