Summertime is all about enjoying the outdoors. When you’re doing it right, beaches, lakefronts and hiking are all in play.
But while outdoor recreation is part and parcel of summertime, it can expose you to all sorts of threats, from rip currents that pull you away from shore to sun poisoning and dangerous bugs. Days spent outside can also come with more surprising threats, like flyaway beach umbrellas and brain-eating freshwater amoebas.
Fortunately, a little preparation goes a long way. Here’s what to know and how to prepare.
Protect yourself from the sun and heat
Most people prefer their beach days sunny, but that also increases the risk of skin damage. Wearing sunscreens with high SPF values is crucial to protect your skin from harmful UV rays, experts told Yahoo, as doing so can prevent both sunburn and long-term damage like skin cancer and premature aging.
Both mineral and chemical sunscreens are good options, based on your personal preference. Just make sure whichever one you use is a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher. Reapply at least a shot-glass amount to your whole body every two hours, and more often if you’re swimming or sweating.
Sunscreen isn’t your only line of defense: Experts recommend wearing sun-protective clothing, like a wide-brimmed hat and sunglasses with UV protection, to shield your eyes from harmful rays. Opt for long, loose and lightweight fabrics to help cover exposed skin, and consider clothing labeled with an Ultraviolet Protection Factor (UPF) rating for added defense against UV radiation.
When you fail to protect, you’re also at higher risk of heat-related illness , which occurs when your body struggles to cool itself down. This risk increases even more when you exert yourself in high temperatures and are dehydrated.
Staying hydrated is crucial, and that doesn’t mean just drinking more water — you need to replace electrolytes like sodium, potassium and magnesium, which are lost through sweat. Adding an electrolyte powder to your water or eating electrolyte-rich foods like bananas and salted nuts can help your body absorb and retain fluids. It’s also smart to avoid alcohol and limit caffeine, as both can worsen dehydration.
Be cognizant of the symptoms of heat stroke , a life-threatening condition that occurs when the body can no longer regulate its temperature. If you or someone you’re with experiences confusion, dizziness, nausea, a rapid pulse, hot, dry skin, or stops sweating despite the heat, move them to a cooler place immediately and try to lower their body temperature with cool water or ice packs. If they lose consciousness, have a seizure or show signs of severe confusion, call 911 right away .
Keep your food safe
Bringing snacks to the beach or lake is the best — but to avoid foodborne illness , you should follow food safety measures. Chief among them is that your food stays at a safe temperature.
Food scientist Bryan Quoc Le previously told Yahoo that food eaten fresh or cold should be “kept on ice before serving, and there should always be enough ice so that it does not all melt.” Think perishable foods like deli meats, dairy products and cut fruits. Doing so should keep the food at 40°F or below.
And per the U.S. Department of Agriculture , avoid leaving food out in the sun for more than two hours — or just one hour if it’s over 90°F — as bacteria can grow rapidly in warm conditions. When in doubt, toss anything that’s been sitting out too long.
Finally, since soap and running water may not be available at the beach, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommend using hand sanitizer containing at least 60% alcohol as a backup to clean your hands before handling food.
Watch for rip currents and practice good water safety
Want to go for a dip at the beach? Practice water safety . Always swim near a lifeguard, never swim alone and look for notices for dangerous ocean conditions that can indicate whether the water is acceptable to swim in. (A bright bathing suit can also help catch a lifeguard’s eye in case you ever need assistance.)
If you’re not a strong swimmer, stick to shallow areas or wear a flotation device — though remember that those aren’t foolproof. If you’re planning on spending time at the beach, you may also want to consider swim lessons . They could save your life.
Whether or not you’re a strong swimmer, it’s important to know the power of rip currents , which are fast-moving channels of water that flow away from the shore and can quickly carry swimmers out to sea, even in seemingly calm conditions. Over 100 people a year die in rip currents in the United States, and over 80% of rescues by surf beach lifeguards in the U.S. are in response to rip currents, according to the U.S. Lifesaving Association .
Before wading into the water at the beach, check the National Weather Service’s local rip current forecast . Signs of a rip current include a gap of darker, calmer water between breaking waves, a noticeable change in water color or foam and debris moving out to sea.
If you get caught in a rip current , stay calm, swim parallel to shore until you’re out of the current, then head back in with the waves — don’t try to fight it directly. And if you see someone else struggling, call for help and, if possible, toss them something that floats. Never put yourself at risk by trying to rescue them without proper skills or equipment.
Avoid dangerous sea creatures
The ocean contains some sea life you’d be better off not interacting with. Here’s what to do if you have an unpleasant encounter in the ocean :
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Sharks:Sharks rarely attack humans. According to the Florida Museum of Natural History’s International Shark Attack File , the global average from 2020–2024 was 61 confirmed unprovoked shark bites per year. Still, it’s a good idea to be aware of these predatory fish, especially if you have children. The State of Hawaii recommends you stay out of the water at dawn, dusk and night and avoid entering the water with open wounds.
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Jellyfish:While not every jellyfish stings, the ones that do cause painful red, burning welts. Soak the area in hot water for relief.
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Stingrays:Stingrays tend to chill in shallow water or even under sand. They sting when stepped on, which can lead to a sharp puncture wound. Soak your stung area in hot water and seek medical attention. You can shuffle your feet while walking in water, which should scare them away.
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Sea urchins:Stepping on one of these spiky creatures can leave painful spines stuck in your skin. Soak the area in hot water or vinegar and seek medical care if spines remain stuck.
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Sea lice:These are tiny jellyfish or sea anemones larvae that cause a rash under your swimsuit. Feeling the itch? Rinse off, wash your suit and use ice or antihistamines for relief.
Stay safe from umbrellas
While these shade-producing items may not appear dangerous, a gust of wind can send one flying, potentially causing serious injuries to anyone in its path. Recently, a South Carolina woman died at a lakeside restaurant after being struck by a rogue beach umbrella during strong winds.
When a New Jersey woman was hospitalized during a similar incident, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission stepped in with new safety guidelines for beach umbrellas. When you’re buying or renting an umbrella, look for labels to ensure it’s compliant with the regulatory agency, and always follow the setup instructions carefully to keep it secure.
At the beach, keep yourself and others safe by securing the umbrella deep in the sand. (An umbrella anchor can also keep your umbrella steady.) Always angle the umbrella into the wind and never leave it unattended while open. And, if the wind suddenly picks up or your umbrella starts to wobble, immediately close it.
Practice fire safety
Whether you’re sitting ‘round a bonfire on the beach, roasting kielbasa over a campfire in a state park, or grilling corn on the cob at home, fire safety is all-important in the summer months. Fires aren’t just a risk to you — they can do untold damage to forests, natural habitats and homes.
Before camping, make sure you know the local and state restrictions on campfires . Depending on drought conditions and recent rainfall, fires can be banned outright. When you do make a campfire or bonfire, always know how to put it out .
Be mindful in freshwater
Freshwater comes with its own risks. One of the foremost dangers is Naegleria fowleri, aka “the brain-eating amoeba.” According to the CDC , while brain infections from this amoeba are very rare, they’re nearly always fatal.
It’s a good idea to familiarize yourself with the CDC’s guidelines for avoiding Naegleria fowleri , especially if you’re in a warmer region, which is where the amoeba are more likely to thrive. These include holding your nose when you jump or dive into freshwater, not digging in shallow freshwater, never submerging your head in hot springs, and boiling or distilling water before flushing your sinuses.
Look out for dangerous insects
According to the CDC, mosquitoes kill more people than any other creature, so protecting yourself is an important part of prepping for summertime adventures. Fortunately, in the U.S., diseases like malaria are relatively uncommon, though mosquito-borne illnesses like West Nile Virus still cause infections here every year.
Tick-borne illness is also a major threat in many parts of the U.S., so knowing how to prevent tick bites — and what to do if you get one — is important whenever you step into nature, even if it’s just a natural area in a city park.
Beyond blood-sucking ticks and mosquitoes, be aware of spiders. According to experts, the U.S. has two considered to be the most medically significant : widows and recluses. While generally timid, they can bite if surprised. In the summertime, when warm weather allows spiders to roam more freely, it’s important to look out for them around woodpiles, in gloves left outside, and on the undersides of boogie-boards and other outdoor gear.
Keep an eye out for snakes
Snakes are a part of healthy biomes, from swamps to deserts. In the warm months, it’s important to be snake-conscious, especially when you enter their habitat.
Different snakes inhabit different geographical areas, so it’s a good idea to familiarize yourself with any venomous snakes that can be found near you , so you know what to look out for, be that water moccasins on your kayak trip or rattlesnakes on your Colorado hike. Familiarity will also ensure that you don’t misconstrue a harmless Eastern racer for something dangerous.
