6 • Make sure everyone wears wellfitting life vests on boats and near open water. • Never dive into water unless you know the depth and have checked for potentially dangerous underwater objects. Avoid bug bites. Most bug bites aren’t serious, but they are annoying. Here’s how to lessen your chance of being bitten or stung. • When hiking through areas with tall grasses and bushes, wear light-colored clothing that covers as much skin as possible. When you get back, examine your skin and scalp for bugs or bites. Have fun, stay Summer. It’s often packed with funfilled activities like picnics and water sports. While enjoying this sunny season, it’s important to keep in mind potential hazards that can derail your good times. Follow these vital tips to help keep your summer safe. Slather on the sunscreen. The sun may feel good on your skin, but it can do a lot of damage too. For example, sunburns raise your risk of developing skin cancer. Sunscreen can help shield your skin from the sun’s harmful rays. • Apply sunscreen every day — even when it’s cloudy — 15 minutes before going outdoors. • Spread it over all exposed skin. Don’t forget the tops of your feet and head and your lips, neck, and ears. • Reapply sunscreen every two hours or after you sweat or swim. • Choose a broad-spectrum, waterresistant sunscreen with an SPF (sun protection factor) of 30 or higher. • Use different types of sunscreens: creams for dry skin and your face, gels for areas with more hair — like the scalp — and sticks for the eye area. Be mindful around water. Whether you’re in a pool, on a boat, or near open water, take steps to protect yourself and others from drowning: • Never leave children alone near water. • Have rescue equipment nearby if you own a pool. Always have a phone nearby too. • Avoid using inflatable floaties for kids. They aren’t a good substitute for a life jacket, and they can give kids (and their parents) a false sense of security in the water.
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