Are You Ready for the Summer? Remember to Be Safe!
School's out, pools
are open and people across the country are looking for fun ways
to cool down as summer temperatures heat up. As you head to the
beach, to the pool, or to the mountains for a camping vacation,
the American Red Cross encourages you and your family to keep
safety in mind!
Water Safety
The Red Cross is
brimming with water safety tips to keep your family safe this
summer. The most basic: Learn to swim! Take some lessons at your
local pool. The best thing anyone can do to stay safe in and
around the water is to learn to swim. And always swim with a
buddy; never swim alone.
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Take
the Water Safety Quiz
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Do you know
how to stay safe around the water? Test your water safety
skills by taking the
Red
Cross Water Safety Quiz!
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The American Red
Cross has swimming courses for people of any age and swimming
ability. To enroll in a swim course, contact your local
Red Cross chapter.
- Swim
in supervised areas only.
- Obey
all rules and posted signs.
- Don't
mix alcohol and swimming. Alcohol impairs your judgement,
balance, and coordination, affects your swimming and diving
skills, and reduces your body's ability to stay warm.
- Pay
attention to local weather conditions and forecasts. Stop
swimming at the first indication of bad weather.
 More
Water Safety Tips
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In
addition to being safe, remember to donate blood this
summer!
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- Every
two seconds, someone in this country needs blood.
- We
need 25,000 volunteer donors each day to meet the
rising blood needs of this country.
- Supplies
are stable, but summer is a challenging time, because
college and high schools are in recess.
- Call
1-800-GIVE-LIFE and schedule an appointment.
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Boating Safety
Whether you're the
captain of a schooner or a passenger on a skiboat, following
safety guidelines ensures your safety and that of other
seafarers.
- Be
weather wise:
Sudden wind shifts, lightning flashes and choppy water all
can mean a storm is brewing. Bring a portable radio to check
weather reports.
- Bring
extra gear you may need:
A flashlight, extra batteries, matches, a map of where you
are, flares, sun tan lotion, first aid kit, extra
sunglasses. Put those that need to be protected in a
watertight pouch or a container that floats.
- Tell
someone where you're going, who is with you, and how long
you'll be away.
- Then
check your boat, equipment, boat balance, engine and fuel
supply before leaving.
Sun Safety
Summer means fun in
the sun! But be safe — don't let a heat-related illness ruin
your day.
Always drink plenty of water and take frequent breaks when
working or playing in the hot weather.
More
Sun Safety Tips and Heat
Safety Tips
Hiking and Camping Safety
Many families will
head to our national parks and forests this summer to enjoy the
great outdoors. But if you're not prepared to rough it in the
woods, hiking or camping can be a rough experience. The best way
to help guarantee a good time for all is to plan ahead carefully
and follow commonsense safety precautions.
More
Hiking and Camping Safety Tips
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