Summer is a time to relax, clear your mind of stress and dream about things like long walks on the beach, dazzling fireworks and exotic vacations to faraway lands.

Of course, it’s also important to keep safety top of mind. Because in July, accidents and even deaths tend to spike from everyday summer activities, like playing with fireworks, skateboarding and water-related activities, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. In addition, motor vehicle crashes increase, as do heat-related conditions and even deaths from insect stings.

Don’t let the stats rain on your parade. Just be sure to take the right precautions as you embark on all of your summer adventures. To help keep you, we’ve created four mini-guides that share safety tips for fireworks, water, sports and travel. Read on and balance your fun in the sun with common sense approaches to keeping yourself and your family protected this season.

Fireworks safety

In 2021, 11,500 people were treated in emergency rooms for firework injuries, according to the United States Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC). Injuries from sparklers—which burn at 2,000 degrees Fahrenheit—are also common in July. Most commonly, the injures are burns, and they’re most likely to affect the hands and fingers (31%); the head, face and ears (21%); or the eyes (14%). To avoid getting injured by fireworks or sparklers, and to keep others in your household safe, CPSC suggests taking the following precautions:

  • Don’t allow young children to play with or ignite fireworks or sparklers.
  • If you are lighting fireworks or sparklers be sure and have a bucket of water handy.
  • Only light one firework at a time, and retreat from it quickly. Never throw a firework.
  • If a firework doesn’t seem to be lighting properly, soak it in water and dispose of it. Don’t try to re-light it.
  • Before throwing any fireworks in the trash, douse them with water to make sure they won’t start a fire.
  • Don’t drink alcohol or use drugs when igniting fireworks.

Water safety

Every year, nearly 4,000 people die from drowning in the United States, and 8,000 people survive drowning, according to the CDC. For children ages 1 to 4, drowning is the leading cause of death, and for kids 5 to 14 it’s the second leading unintentional cause of death.  On your next trip to the lake, beach, pool or other water feature, consider this safety advice.

  • Learn how to swim and know your own limitations, whether that’s skill level, physical fitness or medical conditions.
  • Don’t swim alone. Take a buddy or opt for a place with a lifeguard.
  • When boating or participating in other water sports, always wear a life jacket.
  • Don’t drink alcohol and swim/boat. Alcohol use is connected to 70% of water-related deaths. It’s also involved in one-in-four emergency visits for drowning and one-in-five reported boating deaths, per the CDC.
  • Be aware of water conditions, such as currents, clarity, temperature, hazards and other potential dangers.
  • Take a CPR and first-aid class so you can help others.

Sports/activity safety

Summer and sports go hand-in-hand, and, unfortunately, sports injuries are a part of the mix. The National Safety Council (NSC) reports that in 2021, emergency departments across the U.S. treated 3.2 million people for injuries that happened because of athletic activities or sports equipment. Exercise, basketball and cycling top the list for most injuries, followed by basketball, skateboards/scooters and football.

Don’t let that deter you from being active this summer. Just be careful! Here are some top tips from the Cleveland Clinic to avoid sports injuries.

  • Use the proper gear. The right equipment can help protect your body from injuries. Depending on the sport or athletic endeavor, consider investing in items such as helmets, mouth guards, eye protection, should/chest pads and shin guards. Also, be sure and wear shoes that are in good condition and fit properly.
  • Hydrate. Give your body the hydration it’ll need in the summer heat. Drink lots of water before, during and after activities.
  • Don’t overdo it. Build up your strength and endurance gradually. You’ll want to walk before you jog, and you’ll want to jog before you sprint, for example. The same goes for building stamina for different activities, whether it’s soccer or swimming.
  • Make time to stretch. You’ll want to stretch before and after every activity to keep your body nice and limber. And don’t forget to warm up and cool down.

Travel safety

Got a big trip planned? Whether it’s a journey abroad or just a day at the lake, it’s exciting to leave home and take an adventure. Just be sure to plan ahead and pack right. Here are some ideas to get you started.

  • If you’re traveling, talk to your doctor. He or she can fill you in on what you’ll need for your destination, whether it’s vaccinations, prescription refills or over-the-counter advice so you pack everything you might need for a first-aid travel kit. During your appointment, make sure you’re up to date on routine vaccinations and screenings.
  • Keep the bugs at bay. Mosquitos and other insects can spread diseases, like malaria, Lyme and yellow fever. Be sure to stock up on insect repellant and use it regularly.
  • Remember your sun protection. Whether you’re lounging at the beach or embarking on a road trip, it’s important to protect yourself from damaging sun rays. the American Academy of Dermatology says to slather your skin in sunscreen that offers broad-spectrum protection and is SPF 30 or higher. In addition, wear clothes that protect you from the sun and opt for shade when possible.
  • Avoid risky foods. Food poisoning can ruin a vacation in an instant. Make smart choices when eating and be aware of particular risks. For example, make sure the food you eat is steaming hot; room-temperature foods (like those on a buffet) can become contaminated with germs.  In addition, be wary of raw foods, including cut-up fruit and veggies, salads, salsas and raw meat and fish. They could also carry germs that could make you ill.

One more thing: as you’re out and about this summer, don’t forget to protect your skin! We’ve written a number of articles on sun safety to help you get through the summer unblemished, including 12 Sun Safety Tips for Caregivers and Older Adults and Summer Sun 101: 14 Tips to Protect Your Skin.  Add them to your summer reading list, and stay safe out there!