Summer safety: Tips for staying safe in the heat, water, and beyond
Medically reviewed by Dr. Betsy Koickel, MD on May 13th, 2025.
Summer can be a fun time for family bonding, outdoor activities, and creating many lasting memories. However, there are some unique health concerns and safety issues that arise in the summer months that you should be aware of. Here are some of our best summer safety tips to keep the whole family healthy and happy.
Recognizing and preventing overheating symptoms
With the warmer weather, overheating can be a concern during the summer. It is important to recognize overheating symptoms so you can take quick action.
- Cool, moist skin with goosebumps when in the heat
- Dizziness
- Faintness
- Fatigue
- Headache
- Heavy sweating
- Low blood pressure upon standing
- Muscle cramps
- Nausea
- Weak, rapid pulse
Heat-related illness can become very severe if not addressed. It can be prevented by keeping your home cool, avoiding the sun during peak temperatures (usually between 12 p.m. and 3 p.m.), drinking plenty of water, wearing loose-fitting clothing, and never leaving children unattended in the car.
Water safety tips for pools, lakes and oceans
Water safety is particularly important for everyone during the summer months, but especially for small children who may not know how to swim. A few water safety tips to implement this summer include:
- Find age-appropriate swim lessons
- Learn CPR and rescue techniques
- Make sure the water matches your swimming skill level
- Never drink alcohol while swimming
- Never swim alone or leave your child alone
- Only swim in areas supervised by a lifeguard
When it comes to water safety, the most important thing is constant supervision, particularly for children.
Summer hiking: Staying safe on the trails
Summer hiking can be a great pastime for the whole family. Here are a few summer safety tips for staying safe on the trails.
- Bring a first-aid kit with the essentials
- Carry plenty of water and snacks with you
- Make a plan: know your route
- Tell someone where you are going
- Wear the right gear and shoes
Fireworks and fire safety during summer celebrations
While fireworks are part of many summer celebrations, they also pose significant safety risks. If you do choose to do fireworks at home, here are a few safety tips:
- All children should be supervised when using fireworks
- Keep a bucket of water nearby in case one needs to be extinguished
- Never allow young children to handle fireworks
- Never light fireworks indoors or near people
- Never use illegal fireworks
- Never use fireworks when impaired by drugs and alcohol
The safest thing to do when it comes to summer fireworks is to enjoy community celebrations instead of trying to do them yourself.
Bike and road safety for summer riders
Cycling is a great way to get outside and enjoy the beautiful weather. But riding a bike or other vehicle can increase the risk of injury. To stay safe, take the following precautions:
- Always follow all traffic laws
- Avoid riding at night if possible
- Check all the parts of the bike before going for a ride
- Use hand signals when making turns or crossing intersections
- Wear a helmet and make sure it fits properly
- Wear neon or bright clothing so you can be seen
Outdoor insect safety: Bites, stings and repellents
A bug bite or a bee sting can put a major damper on summer fun. The best way to prevent bites and stings is to wear mosquito repellent when spending time outdoors. Also, keep all doors and windows closed and the air conditioning on to prevent bugs from coming inside.
If you do get bitten, apply ice and consider an antihistamine. Monitor for signs of an allergic reaction or infection and seek medical attention if needed.
Managing air quality and allergies in the summer
Allergies don’t just appear in the spring; there are plenty of blooming plants and other environmental factors that can cause allergies in the summer as well.
Summer allergies can be managed through preventive measures, such as using allergy medications, washing bedding regularly, and using a vacuum with a HEPA filter. Staying indoors during peak pollen times and showering after going outdoors can help. A healthcare provider can also provide additional suggestions for relief.
General summer safety tips for families
Water, bugs, sunburns, fireworks and allergies can all pose health concerns for families during the summer months. But a little bit of planning ahead and vigilance can keep everyone safe.
When spending time outdoors, always use repellent and sunscreen to reduce the risk of bites or sunburn. When it comes to water, staying vigilant, especially if you have small children swimming, is the best way to prevent accidents. Finally, always be safe around vehicles by using the appropriate car seat and never leaving children alone in the car.
When to visit urgent care for summer-related health concerns
If you encounter health issues that require medical attention during the summer months, we're here to help. To get started, find the center nearest you and walk in or save your spot online. We are here to help the whole family have an enjoyable summer!
FAQs
Here are some frequently asked questions about summer safety.
What are the most important summer safety tips?
The best way to stay safe this summer is to stay hydrated, wear sunscreen, avoid peak sun hours, supervise children outdoors, and watch for signs of heat exhaustion.
How can I keep kids safe around water in the summer?
Supervision, life jackets, and swim lessons are the best ways to keep kids safe around water.
How do I stay safe while hiking in the summer?
Hike early to avoid the heat, bring plenty of water, wear the right clothing, and let someone know your route.
What should I do if I get a bug bite or a bee sting?
Clean the area, apply ice to reduce swelling, and use antihistamines for itching. Seek medical help if you have trouble breathing or the swelling spreads.
When should I go to urgent care for a heat-related illness?
Visit urgent care if there is confusion, fainting, rapid pulse, vomiting, or if symptoms don’t improve after cooling and hydration.
References:
