Summer is a time for fun and adventure, but remember, it’s necessary to stay safe while enjoying the sun and fresh air. Nothing can ruin a fun outdoor adventure more swiftly 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 useful tips that are helpful to keep you safe during every outdoor adventure in Polk County this summer!
Apply (and Reapply) Sunscreen
One of the best solutions 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 keep sunburn and skin damage. Put on cream sunscreen, not a spray, and apply sunscreen all over your body, including your face, neck, ears, and scalp.
Following that, be sure to reapply sunscreen at least every two hours if you are sweating or swimming. Sunscreen only lasts so long, so it’s vital to keep reapplying it throughout the day to be certain you are still protected.
Wear Protective Clothing
Another solution to protect yourself from the sun is to wear protective clothing. Long-sleeved shirts and pants, hats, and sunglasses can indeed effectively help 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 significant to stay hydrated, especially in summer when it’s hot and sunny. Drink lots of water throughout the day, and carry a water bottle with you so you can take a drink whenever you wish to. Keep away from drinks with caffeine or alcohol in them – they will make dehydration worse.
In case you are going to be hiking or doing any other strenuous activity, bring along multiple sports drinks to replenish your electrolytes. And if you are hanging out in the desert or at a high altitude, see to it to drink even more water than usual.
Avoid Peak Hours
One of the appropriate 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. As much as possible, try to plan your outdoor activities for early morning or late afternoon/evening when the sun is not as strong. This will aid you to stay cooler and avoid getting too much sun.
Know Your Limits – and Come Prepared
It’s necessary to know your limits when you are outdoors. If you are not at ease with hiking in the heat, start with shorter hikes and work your way up. And if you are not at all used to camping, consider starting with car camping before venturing into backpacking.
You should furthermore learn of your physical limitations. If you have a medical condition that makes it hard to be in the heat or cold, take steps to stay safe and comfortable.
Lastly, brush up on your basic first aid and comprehend 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 essential to be aware of your surroundings and be wary of wildlife. If you are hiking in the mountains or woods, ensure you ascertain what kind of animals live there and how to avoid encountering them.
Some animals, like bears and mountain lions, are more dangerous than others. Nevertheless, even small animals can pose a threat if you’re not careful. For an instance, snakes and spiders can be found in various outdoor environments, so it’s vital to realize 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 necessary to let someone know where you’re going and when you’ll be back. This is essential 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 head out, even if just to the local swimming pool, be sure to leave a detailed itinerary with a friend or family member.
This summer, you can have fun with all your preferred outdoor activities while staying safe from the sun and heat by following these safety tips. So get out there and enjoy the great outdoors!
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