Common Summer Accidents and How to Prevent

Summertime is a time of year that most people look forward to. The anticipation of warmer days and the sun setting later in the evening, makes it a time for people to enjoy a wide variety of activities outside. With that though, it can increase the risk of injury.

Five common injuries in summertime are:

1. Heat Related: too much sun exposure and not hydrating properly can lead to nausea, headaches, dizziness, dehydration, and confusion.  Be mindful of the heat and stay hydrated during these summer months to prevent this type of accident.

2. Swimming Injuries and Drowning: Be cautious of where you swim. Choose swimming pools that have a lifeguard on duty. If there is no lifeguard, be sure to have a designated person to pay attention to what’s going on, in and around, the water. When swimming at a lake, wear a life vest.

3.Burns and Cuts: when the weather is warm, there is a lot more grilling and camping going on. Many adults make the common mistake of squirting lighter fluid onto hot coals. Be safe about it, apply lighter fluid to coals when they aren’t lit, letting the fluid soak in.

4. Bicycle Accidents: biking is extremely popular in the summertime, it’s a great form of exercise and many enjoy having the opportunity to ride in the warmer months. Be cautious of your surroundings as you ride. Follow the road rules and try to avoid busy roads.

5.Sport Related Injuries: getting outside with friends, having a fun game of football, basketball, frisbee, and other outdoor activities can be an issue. Not being as active during other months in the year and then jumping into more physical activities has the urgent care and ER’s seeing more patients for sprains and broken bones during the warmer months. Be sure to stretch properly and slowly work your way into being more physical with your activities.

Summertime can be a lot of fun so remember to be cautious and have a safe, injury free season!