Summer is usually the season for plenty of fun outdoor activities. Whether it’s spending time at the beach, summer camp, neighborhood pool, or just hanging out in the backyard, everyone is looking forward to having a fun summer. Part of that summer fun means trying to be safe and cautious.
Going to the beach is a favorite pass time for many people, especially teens. According to getsafe4summer.org the safest place to swim or bathe is a beach or swimming pool protected by qualified lifeguards. Children are more vulnerable at open water sites, usually away from parental supervision. If you are going to go into a pool make sure you know how to swim and if you don’t try to stay in the shallow end of the pool and under parental supervision so you don’t get hurt. This may sound like common sense stuff but it is reported that between 450-500 people drown every year. So for safety percussions, never swim alone, don’t dive into unfamiliar waters, and follow the lifeguard’s directions.
Another favorite summer trip among the teenage community is to go on a road trip. A road trip can be fun for everyone. However before making the mixed CD, and piling up on food and maps it is important to make sure that the car is in good shape. If it can barley go to the neighborhood grocery store or movie theater it really shouldn’t be going cross-country. Its engine and all its other parts will be tested by a long drive, so make sure that it is fully checked by a mechanic or someone who knows cars extremely well; belts, wires and connections all need to be present and correct. Fluid levels in the different reservoirs are also essential - wiper fluid, brake and transmission fluid and engine oil need to be at the optimum level before you set off. It sounds like a lot of work for a simple road trip but being stranded in the middle of nowhere wouldn’t be fun for anybody either.
No matter where you are going an emergency kit is a necessity for going on vacation. This emergency kit is important because if you are going far from home and someone gets hurt you may not be aware of the nearest hospital and the emergency kit will come in handy. The emergency kit should include more than just band-aids and aspirin. It should have a map, cell-phone, charger, back-up cell phone, a few snacks and water (in case you ever get stranded) and other things that may just come in handy. You cannot rely on a friend to come out and save you. Just in case you have car problems you will need to have maintenance items for problems you can fix, and the contact numbers for problems you cannot. Preparation is always a good idea for any trip anywhere.
