Safety in the Summer

Safety in the Summer

If you’re planning to head outdoors this summer, take a moment to make sure your adventures stay fun in the sun (and in all the other variations of Scottish summer weather!)

Protect yourself in the sun

What steps are you taking to protect yourself from the sun during the warmer weather? Ultraviolet (UV) radiation is a type of energy that is naturally released by the sun and artificially by sunbeds.

There are two main types of UV ray that can damage our skin and cause skin cancer:

• UVB reaches the out layer of the skin (epidermis) and causes most sunburns.
• UVA reaches deeper into the inner layer of the skin (dermis) and is responsible for ageing the skin.

You need sunlight for your body to make Vitamin D which is important for bone health.  However too much exposure to UV radiation can increase your risk of skin cancer, and also cause eye damage. Wearing a high factor ‘broad-spectrum’ sunscreen is one of the best – and easiest – ways to protect your skin’s health and appearance at any age. Broad spectrum refers to sunscreens that protect the skin from UVB and UVA rays. Used regularly, broad-spectrum sunscreen helps to prevent sunburn, skin cancer and premature ageing. Wearing suitable sunglasses can protect your eyes too.

Sunscreen and sun safety

Simple ways to protect yourself from the sun

 

 

Be safe around water

Planning to go swimming or doing some water sports? Whether you’re heading to the pool, beach or open water beauty spot make sure you and your family are aware of the Water Safety Code

Here are some essential safety tips to keep everyone safe from accidental drowning:

General Water Safety

• supervise children at all times near water, even if they can swim.
• never swim alone—always use the buddy system.
• learn CPR and basic first aid in case of emergencies.
• avoid alcohol when swimming or supervising swimmers.

Beach and Sea Safety

• swim near lifeguards and follow their instructions.
• check for warning flags and understand what they mean (e.g. red = high hazard).
• beware of rip currents—swim parallel to the shore to escape them.
• watch for sea life like jellyfish.

Boating and Watercraft Safety

• wear a life jacket—even strong swimmers should wear one.
• check the weather forecast before heading out.
• avoid overloading boats or watercraft.
• keep emergency equipment like flares, whistles, and radios on board.

 

Find A Tick? Remove It Quick

Enjoy the outdoors but be ‘tick aware’.

Ticks are small, spider-like creatures found in woodland, grassy fields, moors and some urban parks and gardens. They attach to human or animal skin and feed on blood and can cause serious human diseases including Lyme disease and tick-borne encephalitis.

• reduce your chance of tick bites by walking on clearly defined paths, using insect repellent and performing regular tick checks.
• if you get a tick bite, remove ticks safely and as quickly as possible. The safest way is to use a pair of fine-tipped tweezer or a tick removal tool.
• if you develop flu-like symptoms or a spreading circular rash after you’ve been bitten, promptly contact your GP or dial NHS 111.