101 Critical Days of Summer

As the 101 Critical Days of Summer begin, following basic water, roadway and heat-safety precautions can help prevent accidents, injuries and fatalities during the season’s busiest months.

A few weeks ago, Memorial Day weekend marked the unofficial start of the "101 Critical Days of Summer". This is a period of the year that historically sees a sharp increase in preventable accidents, injuries and fatalities. Staying safe requires consciously assessing the risks around you while traveling, enjoying activities or hosting outdoor gatherings. 

On the Water: Boating and Swimming Safety

• Life Jackets: Every person on a watercraft must wear a properly fitted, U.S. Coast Guard-approved life jacket. Make sure that enough life jackets are available for all passengers and in good condition BEFORE leaving the dock/slip and heading out on the water.
• Emergency Equipment: Make sure that your watercraft has a working fire extinguisher onboard and two means (primary and back-up) of communication to get help.
• Sobriety: Never operate a boat or swim while under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
• Rip Currents: If caught in a coastal rip current, do not panic or swim against it; swim parallel to the shoreline until you clear the current.
• Supervision: Designate a "water watcher" to keep continuous eyes on everyone enjoying the water. Actively scan the water for signs of people in distress. 

On the Road: Highway and Transit Safety

• Prepare Your Vehicle: Check tire pressure, fluid levels and your battery before hitting the highway on a road trip.
• Defensive Driving: Expect heavy traffic, stay within the speed limit and eliminate distractions. Keep your eyes on the road and let a passenger manage navigation or music.
• Avoid Impaired Driving: Never drive under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Always designate a sober driver or use rideshare services (Uber/Lyft).
• Expect Delays: Holiday weekends bring high traffic volumes, especially on major routes. Utilize Department of Transportation apps and websites for traffic and roadway conditions/alerts.
• Rider Gear: Motorcyclists and bicyclists should always wear DOT-compliant helmets and highly visible, protective gear.
• Pedestrian Vigilance: Watch closely for increased pedestrian foot traffic near beaches, parks and other recreational areas. Pedestrians always have the right-of-way!  

In the Sun: Heat and Weather Exposure

• Hydration: Drink water consistently throughout the day and before you feel thirsty, avoiding excess caffeine or alcohol which accelerates dehydration.
• FOR HEAT INDEX VALUES OF 91-103°F = consume 1 cup (8-ounces) of fluids every 20 minutes. Not to exceed 6 cups (48-ounces) per hour.  
• Vehicle Hazards: Never leave children or pets inside a parked vehicle, as interior temperatures rise to deadly levels within minutes.
• Sun Protection: Apply broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher every two hours and utilize hats or shade structures.
• Heat Illness: Watch for signs of heat exhaustion (heavy sweating, dizziness, nausea) and take immediate action to cool down or call 911 if it progresses to heatstroke.

The 101 Critical Days of Summer are meant to be a time for making memories with family and friends, not responding to preventable emergencies. Whether you’re spending time on the water, traveling the highways or enjoying the outdoors, taking a few precautions can significantly reduce risks and help keep everyone safe. Stay alert, plan ahead and make safety part of every summer activity so that you, your loved ones and your community can enjoy a healthy and incident-free season.

Safety First. Always. And, it starts with me.