Summer is a time for fun and adventure, but take note, that it’s essential to stay safe while enjoying the sun and fresh air. Nothing can ruin a fun outdoor adventure more rapidly than an accident or injury. So, whether you are camping, biking your favorite trails, hiking in the mountains, or just heading to the beach or the pool, here are several valuable tips to help keep you safe on every outdoor adventure in The Colony this summer!
Apply (and Reapply) Sunscreen
One of the best means to safely enjoy any outdoor activity is to protect yourself from the sun’s harmful UV rays. Wearing sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30 will help prevent sunburn and skin damage. Take a cream sunscreen, not a spray, and apply sunscreen all over your body, including your face, neck, ears, and scalp.
After that, make certain to reapply sunscreen at least every two hours if you are sweating or swimming. Sunscreen only lasts so long, so it’s significant to keep reapplying it throughout the day to ensure you are still protected.
Wear Protective Clothing
Another best means to protect yourself from the sun is to wear protective clothing. Long-sleeved shirts and pants, hats, and sunglasses can aid to keep the sun off your skin. If you are going to be in the water, wearing a rash guard or wetsuit will also help protect your skin from the sun’s rays.
Stay Hydrated
It’s necessary to stay hydrated, especially in summer when it’s hot and sunny. Drink plenty of water throughout the day, and carry a water bottle with you so you can take a drink whenever you like to. Abstain from drinks with caffeine or alcohol in them – they will make dehydration worse.
On the occasion that you are going to be hiking or doing any other strenuous activity, bring along quite a lot of sports drinks to replenish your electrolytes. And if you are spending time in the desert or at a high altitude, make it a point to drink even more water than usual.
Avoid Peak Hours
One of the effective ways to avoid harmful UV rays is to avoid being outdoors during peak hours. The sun’s rays are the strongest between 11 am and 2 pm. Preferably, try to plan your outdoor activities for early morning or late afternoon/evening when the sun is not as strong. This will get you to stay cooler and avoid getting too much sun.
Know Your Limits – and Come Prepared
It’s essential to know your limits when you are outdoors. If you are not used to hiking in the heat, start with shorter hikes and work your way up. And if you are certainly not used to camping, consider starting with car camping before venturing into backpacking.
You should likewise know very well your physical limitations. If you have a medical condition that makes it tough to be in the heat or cold, take steps to stay safe and comfortable.
One final matter, brush up on your basic first aid and ascertain the warning signs of heat exhaustion and heatstroke. It’s always better to be safe than sorry! Carry basic first aid items like cold packs, burn spray, aloe vera gel, bandages, itch cream, and pain relievers when you head outdoors.
Watch Out for Wildlife
When you are outdoors, it’s vital to be aware of your surroundings and beware of wildlife. If you are hiking in the mountains or woods, be sure you understand what kind of animals live there and how to avoid encountering them.
Some animals, like bears and mountain lions, are more dangerous than others. Nonetheless, even small animals can pose a threat if you’re not careful. As an illustration, snakes, and spiders can also be found in lots of different outdoor environments, so it’s significant to be aware of how to avoid them and what to do if they bite.
Always Tell Someone Where You’re Going – and When You’ll Be Back
Whenever you head out for an outdoor adventure, it’s essential to let someone know where you’re going and when you’ll be back. This is mainly vital if you are going solo or if you are going to be in a remote location.
If something happens and you need help, someone must know where to find you. So, before you take off, even if just to the local swimming pool, make certain to leave a detailed itinerary with a friend or family member.
This summer, you can enjoy and take delight in all your most liked outdoor activities while staying safe from the sun and heat by following these safety tips. So get out there and enjoy the great outdoors!
We are pledged to the letter and spirit of U.S. policy for the achievement of equal housing opportunity throughout the Nation. See Equal Housing Opportunity Statement for more information.
