The official start of summer is getting closer, but summer activities are already in full swing. While these activities are fun and enjoyable, many of them pose new concerns of safety. Below are some of the top dangers of summer and how to avoid them:

• Sun Damage: Summer brings an abundance of sunlight, and while it’s fun to play out in the sun it also can have dangerous effects. Make sure that everyone is lathered in sunscreen continuously and takes frequent breaks from the sun throughout the day.
• Drowning: Heat and sunshine often lead individuals to the water. Always make sure that young children are supervised around pools and other bodies of water to prevent drowning. Also be aware of a secondary drowning, drowning that occurs hours after someone inhales water, and its warning signs – change in behavior, fever and tiredness.
• Insect Bites: Insect bites can pose more hazards than just a raised empty bump by spreading several diseases including, Lyme disease and West Nile virus. To avoid getting bitten by mosquitos, ticks and other bugs frequently use bug spray and citronella candles to keep them at bay.
• Vehicular Heat: Leaving children, the elderly and pets in hot cars alone poses severe and dangerous consequences. Never leave anyone or anything in the car from the spring through the fall. While the temperature outside may not be considered excruciating heat, the interior of cars are like ovens.
• Head and Bodily Injuries: Summer heat creates the opportunity to participate in great outdoor activities, such as bicycling and playing on the playground. When riding bikes, make sure everyone in your family is wearing a safety helmet and knows all the safety precautions to take when dealing with motor vehicular traffic. While on the playground, educate your children on what is safe activity and inform them not to run or misuse the equipment.

These are just a few of the prospective dangers that occur during the summer. Insure that you and your family are safe by using the above guidelines for avoiding these dangers. To learn more about these and other dangers, visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s page dedicated to Summertime Safety.