From May to September, emergency room professionals in hospitals throughout the United States see an influx in summer-specific cases. From swimming accidents to dehydration, many of these incidents can be prevented. With some common sense and a bit of caution, you can get through your summer without any safety scares.

Local Hospital Shares 5 Safety Tips You Need to Follow This Summer

1. Wear Sunscreen

Feeling the warm sun on your face is great, but those UV rays can lead to sunburns, skin cancer, and premature signs of aging. Make sure you wear sunscreen every day. Reapply regularly, especially after swimming.

2. Stay Hydrated

When it’s hot out, you sweat more. Your fluid intake needs to reflect this water loss. Drink plenty of water, not only juices or sodas. If you’re engaging in outdoor sports, try to keep activity to the morning hours when it’s cooler. Severe dehydration can land you in the hospital.

3. Safeguard Against Allergies

If you have allergies, ensure you have your EpiPen with you on summer trips. Pack it in your carry-on bag, not the checked luggage. When it comes to allergies against bees or other insects, keep your EpiPen handy at all times — even if it’s just an afternoon trip to the pool.

4. Beware of BBQs

From swallowing the wire bristle of a barbecue brush to suffering burns from a home grill fire, your summer BBQ poses more threats than you might expect. Take appropriate precautions, ensuring your grill is up-to-date and you have fire safety equipment at hand — and invest in high-quality grill tools!

5. Follow Swimming Rules

Whether you’re at the pool or in the ocean, certain rules are put in place to protect you. Follow them! Skip swimming in the sea if lifeguards have flagged dangerous conditions. Walk, don’t run, on pool decks. Dive in appropriately marked areas only. And finally, swim only when a lifeguard is present.

Even with the appropriate precautions, accidents do happen. If you’re in need of urgent assistance in the Kealakekua, HI, area, Kona Community Hospital will help. In addition to 24-hour emergency physician services, they offer an array of non-urgent health care and services. You can find out more about the hospital’s services online.