Don't Let a Summer Mishap Ruin Your Fun

Here are 5 tips for staying out of the emergency room this season.

The carefree days of summer are typically filled with fun activities, from vacations and cookouts to time spent at the beach, lake or pool. But one thing that’s not fun is a trip to your local emergency room. ER visits tend to spike during the summer months, but by taking a few precautions, you up the odds that a summer mishap won’t ruin your fun.

Here are 5 tips to keep everyone in your family safer over the next few months:

1. Be vigilant by the water. Pools, lakes and oceans are fun but they can be risky too. Kids need constant supervision near water, even if it’s shallow. Adults should think twice about jumping in after drinking. Even good swimmers can get caught in a rip current or slip on wet surfaces. If you're boating or kayaking, wear a life jacket.
2. Ease into new adventures. Thinking about trying something new, like paddleboarding, mountain biking or trail running? Go for it, but be prepared. Wear the right shoes or gear, know the basics and let someone know where you’re going. Don’t forget to warm up and don’t overdo it. Many people get hurt when they’re over-zealous about new activities or not prepared to handle them.
3. Drink before you’re thirsty. Dehydration sends more people to the ER than you might realize. People often wait until they feel parched to drink water, but by then you’re already well on your way to being dehydrated. When you’re outside in the heat or doing anything active, you sweat a lot and that causes you to lose fluids. So get in the habit of always taking water with you and sipping on it throughout the day.
4. Don’t leave food out too long. When food sits out in the heat, bacteria grow fast and can make you sick. Cold foods should be kept cold and should not be left out in the heat for too long (up to 2 hours if temps are under 90^o or just an hour if hotter). Hot foods should be served right away. Meat should be cooked to the proper doneness (use a food thermometer). Don’t use the same plate or utensils for raw and cooked meats and keep these foods separate when carrying in coolers.
5. Pay attention to signs of heat illness. The heat can take a toll on your body faster than you think. If you start feeling lightheaded, dizzy, tired, or nauseous, those are signs that you may be developing heat exhaustion. Get out of the heat, rest and cool your body down by drinking fluids and applying cool water to your body. Left unchecked, heat exhaustion can progress to heat stroke, which is a medical emergency.

Summer is the perfect time to kick back and have some fun. By taking a few precautions along the way, you’re more likely to make lasting memories than to spend your time in the emergency room due to an illness or injury.

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^{Date Last Reviewed: May 19, 2025}

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