Summer Safety

The holiday months of July and August are times of joy, fun and new experiences, but beware of the hazards the holidays bring - more traffic accidents, more drownings, more play-related injuries. Please remember that accidental injuries result in more potential years of life lost before age 65 than cancer and heart disease combined.

Swimming Pools:

• Make sure deep and shallow ends are clearly marked.
• Keep non-swimmers in the shallow end.
• Do not permit running on pool surroundings.
• Never permit swimming alone.
• Check filtration, chlorine and pH regularly.
• Keep the pool clean.
• Keep fences and gates in good condition.

Vacations:

• Plan your trip thoroughly, e.g., rest stops, sleeping sites and road routes.
• Before a trip, immunize for the area you are visiting.
• Wear comfortable footwear.
• Be aware that bottled water is safer to drink than tap water.
• Jet lag affects health, so rest up at a new location before setting out to explore.
• Take common types of medication with you.
• Keep to the tourist section of foreign places - it's safer.

All-terrain Vehicles:

• Don't let youngsters ride full-sized ATVs.
• Use antenna flags in dune areas and wear bright, reflective clothing.
• Do not ride ATVs on paved roads.
• Keep speed under control and never ride blindly into a place you cannot see.
• Never carry passengers.
• Wear protective equipment, especially a helmet.

Camping:

• Choose a dry, well-drained campsite.
• Locate and identify poisonous plants.
• Build fires in places provided.
• If there is no fireplace, keep fire away from trees.
• Never build an oversized fire.
• Never bring fire, live coals or a barbecue into a tent or trailer.
• Store flammable materials outside.
• Keep matches and lighters out of children's reach.
• Check a campsite for any hazards when you arrive.
• Pick up all litter.
• Boil drinking water.
• Put out fires and clean up your campsite when you leave. Know where you can get help and how to reach help if you need it.

Heat Stroke:

• Avoid heavy activity during the hottest part of the day.
• Slow your pace and take frequent breaks.
• Drink lots of water or fluids.
• Wear loose, light-coloured clothing.
• Do not overexpose your skin to the sun.
• Use a good sunscreen lotion.