Here’s How to Stay Safe While Having Fun this Summer

Summer is the season for fun in the sun with family and friends. From picnics and campouts to road trips and pool parties, there are so many opportunities to get active, connect with nature, or simply get outside and enjoy the warmer weather. With all of these summer activities to experience, the last thing you want is to be sidelined with an injury or illness. Follow these tips to help keep yourself and your loved ones safer and healthier this summer.

Camping Safety

Camping is a beloved Canadian tradition. Taking the time to disconnect from your busy daily routine and reconnect with nature is also a great way to relax and recharge. As you grab your tent and take to the great outdoors, be sure to keep these safety measures in mind:

• Stay warm and dry with proper shelter, sleeping bags, water repellent and tent repair kits 

• Store perishable food in a cooler to prevent it from spoiling 

• Ensure access to safe drinking water with a portable drink jug and water purification tablets 

• Check that you have a functioning lantern to light your way at night 

• Reduce risk of painful, irritating insect bites and stings with bug repellent, hats and jackets 

• Be prepared for wildlife encounters with bear bells and wildlife whistles  

• Keep the campfire burning with water and windproof matches 

• Bring along a first-aid kit to clean and care for minor injuries

Boating Safety

Boating offers great opportunities for summer fun and adventure—but safety should always be top of mind before you dive in, paddle out, or set sail. Whether you’re paddle boarding, kayaking, or canoeing, make sure you’ve got all your boating safety gear, and take all necessary precautions to help ensure a successful day on the water:

• Never operate a boat under the influence of drugs or alcohol 

• Ensure everyone onboard is wearing a proper fitting, Canadian-approved life jacket 

• Don’t get stuck without a paddle: pack extra oars & paddles in case of loss or breakage 

• Prepare for emergencies with waterproof safety kits appropriate for paddling or any type of boating 

• Prevent unwanted water from weighing down your boat with a bilge pump 

• Bring along a marine gas tank to ensure you have enough fuel to safely complete your trip 

• Have a rescue throw bag on hand to assist struggling swimmers or help free up small crafts that become stuck 

• Pack flares and/or an air horn to signal for help in an emergency 

• Stow away a first-aid kit to clean and care for minor injuries 

• Prepare for the unexpected with clean drinking water, snacks, sunscreen and dry clothing

Swimming Safety

If swimming tops your family’s list of fun summer activities, you’re not alone. To ensure your lake days and pool parties are memorable for all the right reasons, follow these important tips to help keep everyone safe.

Cycling Safety

If you’re in search of fun and rewarding summer activities for kids and adults alike, give cycling a spin. Whether you’re ditching the car and enjoying two-wheeled freedom on city streets, or getting away from it all on a country cycling excursion, these important safety tips will help you enjoy the ride:

• Ride the correct size of bicycle for your body 

• Always wear a properly fitted bike helmet to protect your head 

• Stay visible with brightly coloured clothing and functioning lights 

• Always ride single file to avoid injury from vehicles or other cyclists 

• Equip your bicycle with a bell or horn to alert pedestrians and other cyclists to your presence 

• Use a mirror to safely monitor traffic 

• Pack a bike tool kit for minor roadside repairs 

• Stay alert and engaged while cycling by avoiding phones, headphones and other distractions 

• Maintain your bike with regular tune-ups and have a pump on hand to keep tires filled

Hiking Safety

Hiking is not only great for maintaining physical health, but it also supports mental health by getting outside, breathing fresh air, and enjoying the beauty of nature. From short afternoon hikes with the family to challenging day-long treks, be sure to keep these safety tips in mind on your next off-road adventure:

• Always let someone know when and where you’re hiking before you go 

• Avoid being stranded alone by hiking with a friend or in a larger group 

• Gear up properly for the weather and the conditions to help stay warm, dry and protected 

• Stay on established trails so you don’t get lost or become injured in dangerous terrain 

• Follow posted safety guidelines and consult park rangers for location-specific safety information 

• Bring enough food and water to stay hydrated and energized 

• Pack a basic first-aid kit to clean and care for minor injuries 

• Prepare for the unexpected with such safety essentials as a flashlight, safety whistle, bear bell, emergency blanket, weatherproof matches and water purification tablets

Road Trip Safety

Whether it’s a day trip, weekend getaway, or cross-country pilgrimages, the journey should be just as fulfilling as the destination. If the open road is calling you this summer, be prepared to enjoy it safely with these handy tips:

• Before you go, set your vehicle up for success by topping up the engine oil, checking the fluids, and testing the tire pressure 

• Ensure your automobile’s first-aid kit is stocked up and accessible 

• Pack a survival kit with water, snacks, a flashlight, batteries, safety flares and an emergency blanket in case you get stranded 

• Make sure your vehicle is equipped with booster cables, functioning wipers, a lug wrench, a jack, a spare tire and other safety essentials 

• Set out with a fully charged phone and bring a charging cable along to keep phones operational 

• Avoid weighing down your vehicle by not overpacking or exceeding your towing capacity 

• Tie down heavy objects to prevent them from coming loose and causing injury 

• Wear sunglasses to protect your eyes and minimize distracting glare

Running/Jogging Safety

With the warmer weather, it’s tempting to get off the treadmill and into the sunny streets for your daily run. While the change in scenery is a treat, it’s important to stay safe when running or jogging outdoors in the summer heat. Here’s how:

• Stretch before you run to warm up your muscles and prevent injury 

• Always have a water bottle on hand to stay hydrated 

• Run earlier or later in the day to avoid the peak hours of summer heat, and protect skin with sunscreen 

• Wear proper running footwear to keep your feet safe and supported 

• Stay alert and engaged while running on city streets by avoiding phones, headphones and other distractions 

• Stay visible by wearing reflective clothing and sticking to well-lit routes 

• Cool down after running with more stretches and plenty of water

Sun Protection

Wherever you find your fun, be sure to practice sun safety for all outdoor summer activities. Follow these basic precautions to help you keep your cool.

• Keep exposed skin safe from harmful UV rays by applying sunscreen when outdoors 

• Don’t forget about your lips. Use a lip balm to prevent drying and cracking from sun exposure 

• Get relief from dry, itchy skin with a good quality moisturizer 

• Take shelter from the sun under a patio umbrella, pergola or gazebo

The long days of summer may not last as long as we’d like—but with a little planning, we can make the most of them. When enjoyed safely, summer activities such as camping, boating, cycling and swimming can help us create seasonal memories that will last a lifetime.