Summer is a great time to enjoy the outdoors, spend time with family and make memories. From swimming and boating to backyard cookouts and sports, there are plenty of ways to enjoy the season.
But summer also comes with risks. Heat, water activities, food safety concerns and outdoor injuries can quickly turn a fun day into an emergency.
The good news is that many summer injuries and illnesses can be prevented with a few simple safety steps.
“Many injuries and illnesses we often see during the summer can be prevented,” says Mike Revelle, MD, Medical Director of Emergency Services at West Tennessee Healthcare. “Following basic summer safety tips when you are spending time outdoors can help you stay safe.”
Stay Safe Around Water
When temperatures rise, many families head to pools, lakes, rivers and waterparks to cool off. Water can be fun, but it also requires close attention.
Drowning can happen quickly and quietly. Children should never be left alone near water, even for a few seconds.
To help prevent water-related emergencies:
- Always watch children closely around water.
- Choose one adult to be the “water watcher.”
- Swim in areas with lifeguards when possible.
- Do not dive into water if you do not know the depth.
- Wear a properly fitted life jacket when boating or swimming in open water.
- Avoid alcohol when swimming, boating or supervising children near water.
Active supervision is one of the most important safety steps. Put away phones, avoid distractions and keep your eyes on the water.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, more than 4,000 people die from unintentional drowning each year in the United States. Drowning is also a leading cause of death for young children.
Practice Food Safety at Cookouts and Picnics
Summer often means grilling, picnics, family reunions and outdoor meals. Warm weather can make food spoil faster, so food safety is important.
To lower the risk of foodborne illness:
- Wash your hands before preparing, serving or eating food.
- Keep raw meat, poultry and seafood away from ready-to-eat foods.
- Use a food thermometer to make sure meat is cooked to a safe temperature.
- Keep cold foods cold and hot foods hot.
- Put leftovers away quickly.
- Do not leave perishable food outside for more than two hours.
- If the temperature is above 90°F, put food away within one hour.
Food poisoning can cause nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, stomach cramps and dehydration. Most cases can be managed at home, but some symptoms may require medical care.
Seek medical attention if you cannot keep fluids down, have signs of dehydration, have bloody diarrhea, have a high fever or symptoms are getting worse.
Protect Yourself From the Heat
West Tennessee summers can bring high heat and humidity. When your body cannot cool itself properly, heat-related illness can happen.
Heat exhaustion and heat stroke are two serious heat-related conditions. Heat stroke is a medical emergency.
To stay safe in the heat:
- Drink water throughout the day.
- Take breaks in the shade or air conditioning.
- Wear lightweight, loose-fitting clothing.
- Avoid outdoor activity during the hottest part of the day.
- Use sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher.
- Reapply sunscreen at least every two hours.
- Check on children, older adults and people with chronic health conditions.
- Never leave children, pets or older adults in a parked car.
You should also pay attention to how you feel. If you feel dizzy, weak, nauseated, overheated or confused, move to a cooler place right away.
Know the Signs of Heat Exhaustion
Heat exhaustion can happen after spending too much time in hot weather, especially if you are sweating heavily and not drinking enough fluids.
Symptoms may include:
- Heavy sweating
- Weakness
- Dizziness
- Headache
- Nausea
- Muscle cramps
- Thirst
- Cool, pale or clammy skin
- Decreased urination
If you think someone has heat exhaustion, move them to a cooler place, loosen tight clothing, offer small sips of water and use cool cloths to help lower their body temperature.
Get medical help if symptoms get worse, last longer than an hour or the person is vomiting.
Know When Heat Stroke Is an Emergency
Heat stroke is the most serious heat-related illness. It can cause permanent injury or death if not treated quickly.
Call 911 right away if someone has signs of heat stroke, including:
- Confusion
- Slurred speech
- Loss of consciousness
- Seizures
- Very high body temperature
- Hot, dry skin or heavy sweating
- Fast pulse
- Severe weakness
While waiting for emergency help, move the person to a cooler area. Remove extra clothing and try to cool them quickly with cold cloths, ice packs or cool water.
Do not delay emergency care if you think someone may be having heat stroke.
What to Do When Something Goes Wrong
Even when you take precautions, emergencies can still happen. Knowing when to seek help can make a major difference.
Call 911 or go to the nearest emergency department for:
- Trouble breathing
- Chest pain
- Stroke symptoms
- Severe allergic reaction
- Loss of consciousness
- Heat stroke symptoms
- Severe dehydration
- Major injury or uncontrolled bleeding
- Near-drowning or water rescue
- Confusion or sudden change in behavior
- Severe burns
- Severe abdominal pain
- Symptoms that feel life-threatening
A near-drowning should always be taken seriously. Even if the person seems okay after being rescued from the water, they should be checked by a medical professional.
When Summer Fun Needs Medical Care
Not every summer illness or injury is an emergency. Minor sunburns, small cuts, mild dehydration or mild stomach upset may be treated at home or through a primary care provider or urgent care.
However, if symptoms are severe, getting worse or concerning, do not wait.
“When an emergency happens, quick action matters,” Dr. Revelle says. “If something feels serious or life-threatening, call 911 or seek emergency care right away.”
West Tennessee Healthcare provides emergency care throughout West Tennessee when you need it most. If you or someone near you is experiencing a medical emergency, call 911.
Updated: June 30, 2025
