Summertime Fun, Summertime Safety

Now that summer is finally here, the children are out of school, you have a few weeks off from work and vacations are on the itinerary. One can never disregard the need to remember summer safety tips. Even if you've read these tips somewhere else, or think you know them verbatim, you can never emphasize strongly enough the need to go through them time and time again. Unfortunately, all too often, we still hear of accidents, and even deaths over the summer months, accidents that so easily could have been avoided and prevented.

A few important safety tips to always keep in mind are as follows:

* Never jump or dive into a body of water until you know the depth or of any obstacles or dangers that might lie beneath. Too often it's very tempting to just dive right in when you come across a lake, river or pool of water on a hot summer day. But think first. Check the waters out and be safe.

* Never drink alcohol while boating (or engaging in any other water sport). It's not unlike driving a vehicle on the road. Being impaired while boating can have dire consequences too. Also, don't drink alcohol and then go swimming. Your reaction times can be impaired if you find yourself in trouble.

* Never swim after just eating a meal. This can cause cramping and thus leave you in danger in the middle of the water.

* Never swim alone, especially if you are in an unfamiliar area. Even the best swimmers can find themselves in trouble and in need of assistance.

* Only swim where it's designated safe to do so. Rules are put in place to keep people safe.

* Always wear sun block and keep your skin and head covered as much as is comfortable. Never stay out in the sun too long. This can help to prevent sun or heat stroke, as well as a safety precaution for avoiding skin cancer.

* While hiking or camping, always take along the appropriate safety equipment. Always check and double check your list.

* While hiking or camping, stay in designated areas. Again, these are usually mapped out with the public's safety in mind.

* Keep a cell phone and battery operated radio with you when out of populated areas, should you need help or just to keep on top of the latest weather conditions. Although summer usually means warm sunny days and a lot of fun, the weather can change very quickly.

Depending on where you live, it can seem to take forever before summer arrives, and then be over all too soon. People try to cram in as much summertime fun as they can in the short summer months, while they can. It can often mean forgetting some very important safety measures in all the excitement. Don't let this happen to you. Don't be a statistic. Have fun, but be safe too.