As we dive into summer, safety is our top priority! Use this checklist to ensure you’re prepared for all your outdoor fun. Remember Baden-Powell’s wisdom: “A Scout is never taken by surprise; he knows what to do when anything unexpected happens.”
Heat and Hydration Smarts
Before heading out:
- Pack plenty of water. Always carry a reusable water bottle and sip frequently, even before you feel thirsty. Dehydration can sneak up on you!
- Check the forecast. If it’s going to be very hot, schedule strenuous activities for the cooler parts of the day (early morning or late evening).
- Plan for shade. Bring a lightweight tarp or even just a large umbrella for instant shade when there’s no natural cover.
- Prepare cooling aids. Pack bandanas or small towels that can be wet and worn around your neck or wrist for evaporative cooling.
- Know your electrolytes. If you’re out of sports drinks for prolonged activity, consider making a simple rehydration solution with a pinch of salt, a teaspoon of sugar/honey, and a squeeze of lemon or orange juice in a liter of water.
Smart Sun Protection
Before and during sun exposure:
- Apply sunscreen generously. Use broad-spectrum sunscreen (SPF 30+) at least 15-30 minutes before going outside.
- Reapply often. Put on more sunscreen every two hours, and more frequently after swimming or sweating.
- Check your shadow. If your shadow is shorter than you are, the sun’s UV rays are strongest (typically 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.). Seek maximum protection or shade during these hours.
- Wear protective clothing. Opt for lightweight, long-sleeved shirts and pants, especially those with a UPF (Ultraviolet Protection Factor) rating of 30 or higher, for a strong barrier against UV rays.
Essential Water Safety
Before and during water activities:
- Wear a life jacket. Always wear a properly fitted, U.S. Coast Guard-approved life jacket when boating, kayaking, paddleboarding, or participating in any water sports.
- Use the buddy system. Never swim alone. Always have a buddy, especially in open water, and ensure someone on shore knows your plans.
- Practice “Reach or Throw, Don’t Go.” Familiarize yourselves with reaching or throwing rescue devices (like a ring buoy or throw rope bag) to someone in distress from a safe position on shore or in a boat, rather than entering the water yourself.
- Read the water. Before swimming in natural bodies of water, learn to spot potential dangers like strong currents (debris moving quickly), sudden drop-offs (changes in water color), or submerged obstacles. Ask locals for advice if unsure.
Campfire and Insect Vigilance
When building fires and enjoying nature:
- Clear your campfire zone. Clear a 10-foot radius around your campfire down to bare dirt, removing all flammable materials.
- Keep tools handy. Always have a bucket of water and a shovel nearby as essential campfire safety tools.
- Master “Drown, Stir, Drown Again.” To fully extinguish a campfire, pour water on all embers until sizzling stops, stir ashes, then pour more water, repeating until no heat remains and you can safely touch the ashes.
- Dress to deter bugs. When hiking in wooded or grassy areas, wear long pants and sleeves to minimize exposed skin and reduce bites.
- Perform thorough tick checks. After outdoor activities, do a full-body tick check, paying close attention to hair, ears, armpits, behind knees, and the groin area.
- Remove ticks safely. If you find a tick, use fine-tipped tweezers to grasp it as close to the skin’s surface as possible and pull upward with steady, even pressure. Cleanse the area afterward.
Stay Prepared. Stay Safe. Have a Fantastic Summer!
#ScoutSafeJune #ScoutingReady
