How to Make Your Spring & Summer Super Safe

Family enjoying a safe summer day with sunscreen and first aid kit

Now that our thoughts are turning to spring and summer, most of us are keen to get outdoors to enjoy everything the new season has to offer.

Before you head off on your family’s next big adventure, whether that’s going for a trek or enjoying a beach day, spare a thought for safety.

We take a look at how you can keep your family safe in the warmer months with our outdoor safety tips. Follow them and you’ll get the max out of spending more time outside — safely.

Protect yourself from the sun

Take advice from the Cancer Council’s SunSmart program and:

Slip on comfortable clothes that cover you up against the sun, such as loose, long-sleeved tops and full-length trousers.

Slop on sunscreen 20 minutes before you venture outside and then every two hours. Make sure you choose a broad-spectrum sunscreen that offers protection from both UVA and UVB rays and has an SPF (sun protection factor) rating of 30 or above.

Slap on a hat that shades your head, face, neck and ears, such as a legionnaire hat or bucket hat.

Seek shade whenever you can, especially between 11 a.m. and 3 p.m. when the sun is strongest.

Slide on your sunglasses to protect your eyes from the sun. When you’re buying sunglasses, make sure they are labelled as “sunglasses” and not “fashion spectacles.” They should also comply with the Australian and New Zealand standard AS/NZS 1067.

Keep hydrated

You’re in danger of dehydrating if you don’t replenish liquid lost through sweating as you enjoy the warmer weather.

Symptoms of dehydration include:

Thirst
Dry mouth
Headache
Dizziness
Dark yellow urine

If you’re going out for a short trip, make sure you carry at least one litre of water with you. Or, if you’re planning a full day trip, take three to four litres per person.

You should also avoid drinks containing alcohol, caffeine or lots of sugar as they won’t hydrate you properly.

And don’t wait until you are thirsty to drink. It’s better to sip water regularly throughout the day to keep you hydrated.

Take care on the road

One of the best things about summer is going on road trips.

For a safe summer, our driving tips will give you the confidence you need to make the most of long days filled with adventure:

Look out for wild animals on the roads – Be especially vigilant at dawn, dusk and nighttime when many different species of wildlife are active. If you’re the driver, get any passengers in the car to keep a look out for animals wandering across the road.

Check conditions before you set off – Summer doesn’t necessarily mean dry, clear roads. Check out the weather forecast for the area you are driving through before you set off and be aware of challenging conditions such as bushfires or flooding, especially in remote areas.

Take frequent breaks – It’s important to take frequent breaks when you’re driving long-distance. Aim for 15 minutes’ rest every two hours to keep you fresh. Plan your route to include rest breaks and work out points along the way where you can stop safely.

Pack supplies – Even if you think you won’t need them, make sure you pack extra supplies just in case you break down and have to wait for help. You should have plenty of food, water and fuel as well as tools to help you with basic repairs.

Keep a first aid kit to hand

Whether you’re making the most of the pleasant weather in your own backyard or venturing further afield, having a first aid kit within easy reach is essential.

Spring summer safety with family first aid kit and sunscreen

Keep a first aid kit at home stocked up with everything you need. You can keep a first aid kit checklist nearby, so you know when to stock up on supplies.

If you’re planning on some summertime adventures, keep a first aid kit specially designed for trekking, travel and camping in your vehicle. Your first aid kit contents will include all the regular supplies you’d expect, along with extra items like snake bandages and tick removal spoons to prepare you for injuries you might expect in the bush.

It’s also a great idea to brush up on your first aid skills too. There are plenty of refresher courses online or in person, which you can access through the Red Cross or St John Ambulance.