Fun and games are what people associate with summer. Unfortunately, the hottest time of the year also brings some dangers that, while easy to avoid, are hard to imagine. But don't worry, here are some of the most common threats to your family and how to prevent them.
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Drowning
When I moved to South Florida from New York, the first thing I did was enroll my kids in intense swimming classes. Kids need to learn to respect the ocean, not fear it, but to respect it a lot.
Pool accidents
Speaking of pools, the hard edges of pools can be very dangerous for kids who love to do flips and can be tricky when children run around in wet sufraces. We should all be careful and wear rubber shoes at all times.
Foot injuries
No one wants to wear shoes when it's very hot, much less on sand or on grass, but it's really easy to get hurt. I'm not just talking about a twisted ankle, but also sharp metal and glass buried in the sand that can cause serious injuries. There are water shoes, and even flip-flops, that are light and can protect you from this.
Sun poisoning
The sun can wreak havoc on our health. Don't forget to avoid the sun's rays around noon and apply lots of sunscreen–even if it's cloudy outside.
Dehydration
When you sweat a lot and don't drink a lot of water, you tend to dehydrate, and can also be fatal. You can freeze bottles of water the night before an outing and drink throughout the next day.
Shark attacks
A couple of years ago this would have been a joke, but there is more and more sharks on our coasts thanks to climate change and you should be careful. Other marine species, like jellyfish, can also attack you and send you to the hospital. Be aware of news of shark sightings in your area.
Lighting strike
Acording to NOAA, every year more than 200 people suffer from a lightning strike in the U.S. Everyone should listen to the safety rules in case of a thunderstorm. I'm not exaggerating! Never stand under a tree.
Heat stroke
This condition occurs when you're dehydrated and very high temperatures cause an imbalance in your system that regulates the temperature in your body. It can be very dangerous. Keep several bottles of water with you at all times.
Insect bites
Although everyone is thinking about mosquitoes, thanks to Zika, tick bites are a lot worse because you can get Lyme disease. Spider bites should be taken care of very carefully. Remember to dress properly and use repellents when you go outside.
Food poisoning
It's easy to forget that food spoils a lot faster during the summer and that the decomposition process starts way before you can see or smell anything. Be wary. Store your food in coolers or put in the fridge within 30 minutes of cooking.
