A summer guide to staying safe under the Florida sun

School is out, and for Florida families, summertime means more time making memories outdoors. But the shift to outdoor activities often brings an increase in illnesses and injuries. At Ascension Florida, we want to help your family enjoy a safe season by understanding common risks and how to prevent them.

Water and beach safety

Drowning is a leading cause of serious injury and death for children and often happens silently, not with the splashing depicted in television and movies. These tragic incidents often require emergency hospitalization and specialized care.

To stay safe:

• Designate a water watcher: Make sure children or adults with dementia have close, constant supervision.
• Follow beach flags: Always check the beach warning system. Double red flags mean the water is closed, Purple flags indicate dangerous marine life.
• Wear life jackets: Whether boating or at the beach, wear a life jacket regardless of age.
• Learn skills: Enroll in swim lessons and learn CPR to prepare for water emergencies.

Sun and heat protection

Florida's heat can lead to severe dehydration and painful skin damage. Dehydration occurs when you lose more fluid through sweat than you take in.

• Sunburn prevention: Apply sunscreen with an SPF of 15 or higher and reapply every two hours, or after swimming and sweating. Wear UV-protective clothing and wide-brimmed hats.
• Hydration: Increase fluid intake as temperatures rise. Seek emergency medical treatment immediately if you experience a rapid heartbeat, confusion, or fainting.

Activity and firework safety

Injuries involving bicycles, golf carts, and fireworks spike during summer months.

• Golf carts: More than 6,500 children are injured by golf carts annually. Florida law requires teens to be at least 15 with a learner's permit to drive a cart. Never overload passengers or let children ride on your lap.
• Bicycles, E-bikes, scooters, and skateboards: Traumas involving bicycles, e-bikes, scooters and skateboards are increasing.Always wear a properly fitted helmet and protective gear, as this significantly reduces the risk of head and brain injuries. Helmets are required by Florida law for riders and passengers under age 16. Doctors recommend increased safety education for those riding electronic bikes and scooters. Avoid performing stunts, such as "wheelies," as these can lead to serious injuries. New operational rules for e-bikes go into effect July 1. For more information on bicycle safety visit alerttodayflorida.com/bicycle.
• Fireworks: Nearly 10,000 people were treated in ERs for firework injuries in 2023. Supervise children closely. Sparklers burn at 2,000 degrees Fahrenheit and cause a quarter of all fireworks-related emergency room visits.

Where to go for care

Knowing where to go can save time and lives.

• Primary care: Visit for non-urgent needs, annual skin checks or sunburns that can be managed at home with pain relievers and aloe.
• Urgent care: Use for minor injuries, such as broken bones or mild dehydration.
• Emergency care: Seek immediate care for severe burns, drowning incidents, signs of shock or severe dehydration.

Have a safe summer, and remember that Ascension Florida hospitals are here to provide the personalized care your family needs. To find care in the Northwest Florida Panhandle visit GetSacredHeartCare.com. In the Jacksonville area, go to GetJaxHealthCare.com.