The Summer Safety Mistakes Families Make — And How To Avoid Them

Summer is a great time for long, lazy beach days, backyard barbecues and walks in the park. However, it’s also the season when emergency rooms see spikes in preventable injuries. These experts share their strategies to dramatically reduce risks, so your family can focus on making memories instead of dealing with mishaps.

Staying Safe While Enjoying the Outdoors

“A lot of research has been done on the benefits of families getting outside, building connections and making memories. It gives everybody a break from a technology-focused world,” says Cory Reid-Vanas , licensed marriage and family therapists and Founder of Rocky Mountain Counseling Collective . “Spending time outdoors can improve attention spans, reduce anxiety, increase physical health and create a strong sense of connection within the family.

But staying safe should be the top priority. Here, Reid-Vanas gives his top 12 tips:

1. Know your kids' limits. Be honest about what is realistic.

2. When going on a hike, look at trails that are beginner friendly and not long distances, especially depending on the children's ages.

3. Think about the weather (wind, heat, rain). It sometimes tests people's limits.

4. Always have a backup plan in case the child is not into it, twists an ankle or has a meltdown.

5. There has to be flexibility to allow for a positive experience even if you have to bail on the original plan. Remember, sometimes you don’t finish what you start.

6. Create breaks. Stop every hour.

7. Make sure everyone is fed beforehand and then add snacks to stay fueled and keep morale high. Snacks should be calorie dense like crackers, trail mix, fruit, apples, etc.

8. Apply sunscreen before you go out and re-apply regularly throughout the day.

9. Let someone know where you are going to be, either a friend or family member.

10. If you’re headed to a national or state park, be sure to check in with the ranger.

11. Have a paper map. Don’t over rely on smartphones because you may lose a signal.

11. If you’re bike riding, be sure everyone wears a helmet.

Be Safe When Swimming

"The water might look tempting, but even if it looks calm, things can quickly change,” says Dr. Connie McReynolds , Psychologist and author of Solving the ADHD Riddle . Even strong swimmers should be aware that tides and currents are stronger. “Also be aware of cold water swimming, it can shock your system and trigger involuntary gasping and hyperventilation, increasing the risk of sudden drowning. ​Don't swim alone; be prepared and always make sure children are accompanied.”

Watch for Dehydration

“One of the biggest things to pay attention to is dehydration,” says Dr. Wesley Buckle, licensed naturopathic doctor at The Oasis Addiction Treatment Center in California. “Bring more water than you think you will need. Also, bring along electrolyte powder for the water.” Dehydration can develop fairly quickly, especially in the summer. His other tips include:

1. Plan activities around the cooler parts of the day, such as during the early morning or later in the evening.

2. Wear lightweight clothing.

3. Stay on marked paths and trails.

4. Look at the weather before going out and check it throughout the day.
Conditions can change quickly and pose a risk.

5. Have a safety plan and a basic safety kit with you. This should include extra snacks, a first aid kit, and other essential safety items.

6. Always make sure you to tell someone where you are headed, especially if you plan to visit more remote areas.

Get Outside

We have so much nature around us, be sure to make the most of it. “We live in a world of social media and screens that are impacting mental health and connections but getting outside, being in nature, sleeping under the stars and talking to each other, rather than messaging, will bring you back together,” says Dr. Connie McReynolds , psychologist and author of Solving the ADHD Riddle . “No, it’s not a magic pill to make the world a better place but it is a simple way to step back from the noise and enjoy those you love in settings that are good for the soul.”

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