Stay safe this summer with these summer activity injury prevention tips

Summer is the perfect time to get outside and enjoy Wisconsin’s beautiful lakes, parks and roadways. However, this season also comes with unique safety challenges. At Ascension Wisconsin, we want you and your family to have a fun, injury-free summer. Here are our top injury prevention tips to keep you safe while you enjoy all that the season has to offer.

E-Scooter safety

Electric scooters are a fun way to get around the city, but safety should always come first. Follow these tips for a safe ride.

• Wear a helmet: Protect your head on every ride.
• Ride sober: Alcohol impairs judgment and reaction time, making it easier to get into an accident. Never ride under the influence.
• One rider per scooter: Riding with a passenger can distract you and throw off the scooter’s balance, both of which increase the risk of accidents.
• Ride in the road: Use bike lanes or roadways where scooters are allowed. Avoid sidewalks for your safety and the safety of pedestrians.

Water safety

Whether swimming in lakes or pools, or enjoying a day out on the boat, water safety is important to preventing accidents. Use these tips to keep you and your family safe while having fun on the water.

• Learn CPR: Knowing CPR can save lives. Consider taking a course to be prepared in emergencies.
• Take swim lessons: Swimming skills build confidence and reduce drowning risk. Make sure you and your children are strong swimmers, especially when swimming in lakes where factors like unpredictable depth and waves can create challenges. 
• Avoid alcohol when swimming or boating: When alcohol and water activities mix, accidents are more likely to happen. Alcohol affects judgment and swimming ability, so stay sober at all times to keep you and your loved ones safe. Neverdrink alcohol while operating a boat.
• Always have active supervision of children near water: When playing in the pool or lake, make sure you always have an eye on your children. Public beaches and pools may have lifeguards, but it’s still important to keep a watchful eye on your little ones. A great tip is to choose brightly colored swimsuits for your children so they are easily visible while swimming.
• Wear a life jacket: It is important that everyone aboard a boat is wearing a life jacket for optimal safety. Per Wisconsin law, all boats must carry a U.S. Coast Guard-approved life jacket for each person on the vessel, and children under 13 must wear one at all times while onboard. Life jackets or other safe floatation devices should be used by children on the beach, in the lake or in a pool if they are not strong swimmers yet.

Burn safety

Whether you’re camping in the woods, grilling burgers at a backyard party or simply soaking up the sun, burns can happen anytime during the summer. Use these tips to stay protected.

• Campfire safety
  • Keep fires manageable and well-attended by an adult at all times. 
  • Have water, sand, dirt or a fire extinguisher nearby.
  • Fully extinguish fires before leaving your camping area or going into tents.
  • Build campfires at least 25 feet away from tents, shrubs or anything that can burn.
  • Children should stay at least 3 feet away from any fire at all times.
• Grill safety
  • Gas grills can retain heat for up to two hours after use, and the ash inside a charcoal grill can sometimes take up to 48 hours to completely cool. To expedite cooling, you can douse the ash in your charcoal grill with water.
  • Keep grills at least 10 feet from structures.
  • Never leave a hot grill unattended. 
  • Use tools with long handles to prevent burns. 
  • Ensure children are kept at least three feet away from a grill both during and directly after use.
    • Gas grills can retain heat for up to two hours after use, and the ash inside a charcoal grill can sometimes take up to 48 hours to completely cool. To expedite cooling, you can douse the ash in your charcoal grill with water.
• Firework safety
  • Use fireworks in an open area away from houses, trees and people.
  • Only adults should light fireworks and they should not be drinking alcohol.
  • Keep water, sand, dirt or a fire extinguisher nearby.
  • Always follow the instructions on the firework packaging.
  • Keep everyone at a safe distance from where the fireworks are being lit.
  • Light only one firework at a time and do not try to re-light the ones that do not work.
  • Do not hold a firework while it is lit, and do not point it at anyone.
• Sun safety
  • Use a broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher, applying generously and reapplying every two hours, especially after swimming or sweating.
  • Wear hats, sunglasses and protective clothing when possible.

High temperature safety

Heat-related illnesses can develop rapidly and pose serious risks during the hot summer months. Knowing how to recognize the symptoms can help you respond quickly and effectively.

• Heat exhaustion: Symptoms include heavy sweating, weakness, cold and clammy skin, nausea and fainting. 
• If you or someone else is experiencing these symptoms, immediately move to a cool place, rest and rehydrate with water or a sports drink containing electrolytes.
• Seek medical attention if symptoms worsen or don't improve after an hour of these measures. 
• Heat stroke: Symptoms include dangerously high body temperature (104 degrees), hot and dry skin, confusion and loss of consciousness.
• If you or someone else shows signs of heat stroke, call 911 immediately.

Motorcycle safety

In the summer, especially during Milwaukee’s Harley Homecoming in July, motorcycle safety is crucial. Follow these tips to ensure your safety and the safety of those around you on the road.

• Always obey local traffic laws, and avoid speeding, aggressive driving or racing, as these behaviors significantly increase the risk of accidents.
• Wear a DOT-approved helmet and eye protection.
• Dress in long sleeves, pants and boots for protection.
• Avoid road rage by taking deep breaths and focusing on arriving at your destination safely, not quickly. Ensure your motorcycle is road-ready with regular maintenance.
• For best practices regarding Wisconsin motorcycle guidance, make yourself familiar with the Wisconsin Motorcyclists’ Handbook.

Bicycle safety

Biking is a great way to get exercise and enjoy the outdoors in the summer. Here are some tips on how to stay safe on every bike ride.

• Wear a helmet every time you ride.
• Choose bright or reflective clothing to increase visibility, especially when biking in the evening and after dark.
• Always follow the Wisconsin biking rules of the road for your safety and the safety of others. Remember, you are sharing the road with motorists and pedestrians. 
• Always supervise young children and teach them proper hand signals and riding techniques.

Gun safety

Gun safety is important year-round. But with children out of school in the summertime, it is even more important to make sure your family is educated on firearm safety.

• Use gun locks and store your firearms unloaded in locked cabinets or safes.
• Teach children about gun safety and the dangers of firearms. 
• Keep ammunition stored separately and out of reach of children. 
• Gun locks are provided free of charge in the emergency departments at Ascension Columbia St. Mary’s - Milwaukee Campus, Ascension St. Joseph Hospital and Ascension St. Francis Hospital.

Summer fun and safety go hand in hand. By following these injury prevention tips, you can protect yourself and your loved ones while making unforgettable summer memories. 

If you or a loved one experiences an injury or emergency,Ascension Wisconsin is here to provide emergency care whenever you need it. For more information on summer injuries that may require emergency or urgent care, click here.