This summer, take the opportunity to learn how to have a fantastic time while keeping yourself and others safe amidst the wonders of the great outdoors. Whether you’re exploring serene hiking trails, lounging by tranquil lakeshores, or embarking on thrilling camping adventures in Shelby County, it’s crucial to prioritize safety.

Summer Safety

By familiarizing yourself with essential guidelines and following recommended precautions, you can make the most of your outdoor experiences while ensuring the well-being of everyone involved. So, get ready to have an unforgettable summer full of fun and memorable moments, all while staying responsible and safeguarded.

Water Safety Tips

Shelby County is packed with water activities, but you must take precautions to keep yourself and your family safe. Every day, around 11 people in the U.S. accidentally drown, and one in five of them are children aged 14 or younger, according to the CDC. The Red Cross wants everyone to know important safety information and skills that can save lives in and around water. We encourage families to learn how to stay safe, make good choices, learn to swim, and handle emergencies. Building confidence in the water and being prepared to protect yourself and others from accidents is crucial.

Tips For Preventing Drowning

To prevent drowning, it is crucial to implement multiple layers of protection. These include preventing unsupervised access to water, ensuring constant and active adult supervision, and acquiring swimming skills.

Swimming classes are available for children and adults, and you can find Learn-to-Swim providers in your community using the provided map. Additionally, everyone needs to learn first aid and CPR to be prepared for emergencies.

When swimming, it is advisable to choose lifeguarded areas. Designating a “water watcher” is also essential. This responsible individual should maintain constant attention and keep a close eye on everyone in and around the water until the next water watcher takes over.

Drowning happens quickly and quietly. If someone is drowning and not rescued, they may only last 20 to 60 seconds before going under the water. Remember, reach or throw something to them, but don’t go in yourself! In an emergency, try to reach or throw an object like a rope or floatation device to help the person in trouble. Going in the water yourself could also put you at risk of becoming a victim.

Camping & Hiking Safety Tips

Shelby County is one of the best places to camp and hike. If you’re planning a camping trip, it’s important to consider the abilities of everyone in your group and the environment. This will help you plan your activities and preparations accordingly. Remember to pack nutritious food items, adequate water, and lightweight layered clothing.

Camping & Hiking First Aid Tips

Don’t forget to pack a first aid kit that includes essentials for handling insect stings, sprains, cuts, bruises, and other potential injuries that could happen to anyone in your group. Taking a Red Cross First Aid and CPR course is also a great idea, which will equip you with the knowledge and skills needed in case professional help is delayed.

When it comes to common misfortunes during camping & hiking trips, sprains and falls are among the most frequent. Falls often occur due to poor decision-making, lack of skills, or inadequate preparation. Another danger to be mindful of is dehydration. It’s essential to plan and be prepared for these risks. It’s also a good practice to share your travel plans and locations with a trusted family member, neighbor, or friend.

Picnic Safety

Summer is the perfect season to enjoy outdoor picnics in Shelby County and make the most of the beautiful weather. To ensure the well-being of everyone involved and prevent any potential illnesses, it is important to follow these helpful tips for a safe and enjoyable experience.

Here are some important guidelines to keep in mind during your picnic:

• Before food preparation, thoroughly wash your hands, utensils, and workstation to maintain hygiene.
• To prevent cross-contamination, keep uncooked meats, poultry, and seafood separate from ready-to-eat foods such as salads, fruits, vegetables, cheeses, and desserts. It’s advisable to use different plates and utensils for each type of food.
• Bring hand sanitizer to ensure proper hand hygiene if your picnic site lacks hand-washing facilities.
• When cooking on the grill, consider using a food thermometer to ensure the grilled foods reach the appropriate internal temperature for safe consumption. This will help you prevent any foodborne illnesses.

Following these simple yet essential precautions gives you a worry-free and safe picnic experience.

Bike Safety Tips

There are some pretty cool biking trails in Shelby County, but if you don’t ride safely, you are running the risk of accidents or not having a good time. Staying safe while riding a bike is really important for having a fun and secure experience. You need to take safety seriously to protect yourself and others on the road or trail.

One essential thing to do is wear a helmet that fits you well. This is super important because it can significantly reduce the chance of a head injury if something goes wrong.

Another important aspect is taking good care of your bike. Make sure to check the brakes, tires, and gears regularly. This helps keep your bike reliable and reduces the risk of mechanical problems while riding.

Bike Gear To Wear

When it comes to bike safety, wearing a helmet is undoubtedly crucial. However, you might be surprised to discover that there are a few additional gear pieces that can enhance your safety while riding.

• Wear gloves
• Wear eye protection
• Use a GPS navigating device
• Wear proper bike shoes

By incorporating these additional gear pieces into your biking routine, you can enhance your safety in various situations. Remember, prioritizing safety reduces the likelihood of accidents and ensures a more enjoyable and worry-free biking experience.

Stay Summer Safe In Shelby County

Summer safety should be a top priority as we embrace the warm and sunny season. Whether enjoying outdoor activities, swimming, or embarking on adventures, following essential safety tips is crucial to protect ourselves and others.