As the weather heats up, we begin living more of our lives outdoors. That means more time to enjoy camping, picnics and days on the water. It also means we’re at an elevated risk for sunstroke, bug bites and water safety accidents.

The risks from summertime fun apply to everyone. As always, older folks face greater risk because we’re more fragile and prone to serious medical complications if things go wrong.

Luckily, the American Red Cross offers a comprehensive list of summer safety tips, from water, beach and camping safety, to picnic and grilling safety, to bugs that bite. 

Water safety

The Red Cross warns that 11 people in the U.S. drown each day, and 20% of the victims are under 14. That should be a wake-up call if you have a backyard pool or take grandkids to the beach.

Nearly all Red Cross chapters offer access to swim lessons for adults and children. To find Red Cross classes in your area, go online to redcross.org/swimming. Also consider a CPR course. It could save a life if someone gets in trouble in the water.

One obvious water safety rule is to swim only in areas with a lifeguard. The Red Cross’ top tip is to never permit anyone – young or old – to have unsupervised access to water, whether at a pool or a beach. Always make sure someone is watching whenever people are in the water. Designate a “water watcher” who focuses on people in the water, staying alert for signs that someone is in trouble. Switch watchers frequently so the designated person is fresh and alert.

Signs of someone in trouble can be subtle. “Drowning behavior is typically fast and silent,” according to the Red Cross. React if you only think someone may be in trouble. Do so by reaching for the person or throwing them a line. “Don’t go in yourself or you could become a victim,” the Red Cross said.

Beach safety

Inclement weather poses a risk for any outdoor swimming. 

The Red Cross warns swimmers to “watch the weather and get out of the water at the first sign of lightning or the rumbles of thunder. Stay indoors and away from water for 30 minutes after the last lightning flashes or thunder roars.” 

Inexperienced swimmers and children are advised to enter the water wearing a properly fitted life jacket.

The final bit of beach advice involves rip tides. “Stay calm and don’t fight the tide,” said the Red Cross. “Swim parallel to the shore until you are out of the current. Then turn and swim toward shore. Draw attention to yourself by waving and calling for help.”

Camping safety

Rule No. 1 for camping safety is to bring a first aid kit to treat insect stings, cuts and bruises and other injuries. Before you set off on your trip, take a Red Cross first aid and CPR course to cope with more serious injuries.

Share your travel plans and locations with a family member, neighbor or friend. If someone needs to reach you in an emergency, they will know how to find you. If you need help, it can be directed to your precise location.

Limit your camping to what you are prepared to handle. Most camping injuries occur because someone tried doing something that was beyond their abilities. Finally, avoid dehydration by making sure everyone drinks plenty of liquids. 

Picnic & grilling safety

The risk here is contaminated food that could lead to food poisoning.

“Wash your hands, utensils and workstations before preparing food,” said the Red Cross. “Separate uncooked meats, poultry and seafood from ready-to-eat foods, like salads, fruits, vegetables, cheeses and desserts. Use separate plates and utensils to prevent cross-contamination. Never leave perishable food out in the sun.”

Bring plenty of hand sanitizer, especially if your location doesn’t offer hand-washing facilities. If you are going to cook on the trip, bring a food thermometer to ensure grilled foods are cooked thoroughly.

Grilling not only causes more than 11,000 home fires a year, but it is a major contributor to wildfires that sweep the region each summer.

Never grill indoors – in a house or tent. Keep everyone, but especially kids and pets, far away from the grill. Keep the grill away from the house and branches, or anything else that could catch fire. Use long-handled tools and never pour starter fluid once the coals have ignited.

Pay attention to the weather forecasts. Be extra careful if grilling on a dry, windy day. That’s red flag weather – the kind that can turn a flying ember into a raging wildfire. Obey all local limitations on starting an open fire. If there is a burn ban, save the grilling for another day.

Mosquitoes and other insects

The Red Cross notes there are 176 known species of mosquito in the United States, putting all of us at risk of insect bites. And mosquitoes aren’t the only bugs to worry about. Potentially more worrisome is the black-legged tick, more commonly known as the deer tick. That’s a bloodsucker that can spread Lyme disease.

The Red Cross encourages the use of insect repellent containing DEET any time you are outdoors. Wear long-sleeved shirts and long pants. Tuck pant legs into socks or boots, and fasten them in place with rubber bands. Wear light-colored clothing to make it easier to spot insects. When hiking in the woods, walk down the center of the trail to avoid underbrush and tall grass.

Keep in mind that mosquitoes are the most active at dawn and dusk. 

For the complete list of summer safety tips, including advice on pet safety, do an internet search for Red Cross Summer Safety Tips.

Gordon Williams is a volunteer with the American Red Cross Northwest Region Communications Team.