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Sail Through Summer Injury Free

Longer days and hotter, more humid weather send most of us outside for our favorite summer activities. Staying safe, especially in the heat and around water, has a lot to do with being and alert and prepared, says Covenant Injury Prevention Specialist Laura Walker, RN, MSN, EMT, CFRN. “It’s all about balance,” she says. “Have fun, but be safe so the fun isn’t interrupted.”  

Walker’s top tips for a safe, injury-free summer include: 

Hot weather
• Stay hydrated – 12 cups a day for women, 15 cups for men
• Avoid sugary, caffeinated, and alcoholic drinks
• Be aware of who you’re riding with in a car – don’t leave people or pets behind when you get out
 
Around water
• Never leave children unattended around water -- keep little ones within arm’s length
• No cell phone distractions
• Use US Coast Guard approved life jackets – NOT water wings
• Have a secure fence and gate around home swimming pools to eliminate the chance of someone falling in accidentally
• Swim with a partner
• Invest in swimming lessons for the whole family
• Wear sun block

On the water
• If canoeing or kayaking, wear a life jacket, know where you’re going, and tell someone when you expect to return
• If boating, be sure to have required floatation devices onboard and encourage non-swimmers to wear a life jacket
• If lazy tubing down a river, avoid sugary or alcoholic drinks, stay hydrated with water
• Wear sun block 

Bicycling
• Wear a helmet and bright colors 
• Ride single file WITH traffic on the side of the road (walkers go against traffic)
• Obey traffic laws
• Be mindful of cars coming in both directions and know some may be pulling trailers or boats behind them

Posted Date: 7/5/2021


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