Summer is always a time for fun and activities, and it’s important to be safe while enjoying the fresh air and sun. An accident or injury can quickly ruin a nice outdoor adventure. To ensure your summer outdoor adventures in Ravenna are as safe as possible, here are some recommendations to keep you out of harm’s way when camping, biking your favorite trails, hiking in the mountains, at the beach, or at the pool!
Apply (and Reapply) Sunscreen
Protecting oneself from the sun’s harmful UV rays is one of the finest ways to safely enjoy any outdoor activity. Sunscreen with at least an SPF of 30 can help prevent sunburn and skin damage. Apply sunscreen all over your body, including your face, neck, ears, and scalp, with a cream sunscreen rather than a spray.
If you are sweating or swimming, reapply sunblock every two hours at the very least. Since sunscreen only lasts so long, it’s crucial to reapply it throughout the day to ensure that you’re still covered.
Wear Protective Clothing
Wearing protective clothing is another excellent approach to shield yourself from the sun. Long-sleeved shirts and slacks, as well as hats and sunglasses, can help keep the sun at bay. Wearing a rash guard or wetsuit while in the water will also protect your skin from the sun’s rays.
Stay Hydrated
It’s critical to stay hydrated, especially in the summer when the weather is hot and humid. Drink a good amount of water all through the day, and keep a bottle of water with you always so you can have a drink whenever you want. Drinks that contain caffeine and alcohol can make dehydration worse, so it is best to avoid them.
Bring along some sports drinks to replace your electrolytes if you’re going trekking or doing any other intense activity. If you’re in the desert or at a high altitude, drink significantly more water than usual.
Avoid Peak Hours
Avoiding being outdoors during peak hours is one of the best methods to avoid dangerous UV radiation. Between 11 a.m. and 2 p.m., the sun’s rays are at their most powerful. Whenever possible, schedule outside activities for early morning or late afternoon/evening, when the sun is less intense. This will allow you to stay cooler and avoid overexposure to the sun.
Know Your Limits – and Come Prepared
Outdoors, it is essential to be aware of your limits. If you are not accustomed to trekking in the heat, begin with shorter excursions and gradually increase the distance. If you’re new to camping, try car camping first before moving on to backpacking.
You should be conscious of your physical limitations as well. If you have a medical condition that makes being in the heat or cold difficult, take steps to keep safe and comfortable.
Finally, brush up on basic first aid and be familiar with the warning signs of heat exhaustion and heatstroke. It’s always preferable to be safe rather than sorry! When venturing outdoors, include basic first aid supplies such as bandages, itch cream, pain medicines, cold packs, burn spray, and aloe vera gel.
Watch Out for Wildlife
When you’re outside, stay aware of your surroundings and keep an eye out for animals. If you’re going hiking in the mountains or the forests, be sure you know what animals are around and how to avoid them.
Bears and mountain lions, for example, are more dangerous than others. However, if you’re not vigilant, even small animals can be dangerous. Snakes and spiders, for example, can be found in a variety of outdoor settings, so it’s crucial to understand how to avoid them and what to do if they bite.
Always Tell Someone Where You’re Going – and When You’ll Be Back
It’s critical to let someone know where you’re going and when you’ll be back whenever you go on an outdoor trip. This is especially critical if you are traveling solo or to a distant place.
Someone must know where to look for you if something happens and you need assistance. So, even if you’re simply going to the neighborhood pool, leave an itinerary with a friend or family member before you go.
By following these safety recommendations this summer, you may enjoy all of your favorite outdoor activities while being safe from the sun and heat. Consequently, go outside and appreciate nature!
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