By: Dr. Damanpreet Jamarai, Chief Medical Officer, UnitedHealthcare Medicare & Retirement of California
Summer brings long days, family vacations, afternoons by the pool and more time outside. But as temperatures rise and families head to the water, it’s also a time to be extra mindful about staying safe. From heat-related illness to sun exposure and drowning risks, a few simple precautions can help make sure summer fun stays just that – fun.
Here are some tips to help you stay safe in the sun, especially around water:
- Take Swimming Lessons to Reduce Risk of Drowning: According to the latest CDC data, unintentional drowning remains a leading cause of death for young children in the United States. More children ages 1-4 die from drowning than any other cause of death, and drowning is the second leading cause of unintentional injury death for children ages 5-14. Every year in the United States, there are over 4,000 fatal unintentional drownings – an average of 11 drowning deaths per day.
- Wear a Life Jacket During Water-Based Activities: Pool toys, such as noodles or inner tubes, should not be used in lieu of a life jacket as they are not designed to keep swimmers safe. For children, choosing bright-colored swimsuits can also make it easier to spot them in the water.
- Learn and Practice Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR): When performed by bystanders during an emergency, CPR can help save lives and improve outcomes for drowning victims. The sooner CPR starts, the better the chance of a positive outcome.
- Prepare for Weather: Strong winds and thunderstorms can be dangerous when you are in or around water, so check the forecast before boating or swimming and head to shore right away if storms develop.
- Reapply Sunscreen Every Two Hours to Protect Your Skin if You Remain in the Sun: Sunscreen protection levels are categorized using a sun protection factor (SPF) number that rates how well they block UV rays with higher numbers indicating more protection. Use a broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher and reapply at least every two hours, or more often after swimming or sweating.
- Wear Protective Clothing, a Hat and Sunglasses: When possible, wear long-sleeved shirts, pants or skirts that can help protect against UV rays. Clothes made from tightly woven fabric, along with hats that have wide brims to cover the face, ears and back of the neck, provide the best protection.
- Protect Infants and Children From the Heat: Infants and young children rely on adults to help keep them cool and hydrated. Dress them in loose, lightweight clothing, offer water frequently and monitor for early signs of overheating, especially during outdoor play, never leave a child in a parked car.
- Stay Cool and Hydrated: As the weather warms up, remember to drink lots of water. Increase fluids during heat or physical activity and consider electrolyte replacement for prolonged exertion. Limit alcohol and caffeinated drinks.
- Help Older Adults Stay Safe in Extreme Heat: Adults age 65 and older are more prone to heat-related health problems. Encourage them to stay in air-conditioned spaces as much as possible, drink water regularly without waiting until they feel thirsty, wear loose, lightweight clothing and check in with family, friends or neighbors during periods of extreme heat.
