Stay Hydrated
Heat stroke is a major threat and can sneak up on anyone. Particularly susceptible are people who are older, overweight, on medication or using alcohol. Symptoms include extremely high temperature, rapid pulse, headache, dizziness and disorientation, and red, dry, very hot skin. If someone shows these symptoms, get them to a cool place out of the sun, loosen or remove clothing and lower their body temperature with water, wet towels or even a jump in the pool!

To prevent this, make sure everyone in your group drinks plenty of fluids BEFORE they feel thirsty. You can also lessen your chances of heat stroke by wearing light colored loose clothes, avoiding coffee and alcohol, and staying in the shade during the hottest afternoon hours.

Reapply Sunscreen Often
Apply a sunscreen with an SPF of 15 or higher before a day in the sun. Sunscreen should be applied every two hours, especially if swimming or sweating. You should also protect yourself with a hat, sunglasses and light colored clothes that cover your skin. And remember that the damage comes from the UV rays, not the light, so you need protection on cloudy and overcast days, too!

Swim With a Buddy
The first rule of water fun is NEVER go alone! Always swim with someone else so you can keep an eye on each other. Also, stay within designated areas and away from docks and piers so dangerous waves won't surprise you! You should wear watershoes when at the beach, particularly in unclear water with a rocky bottom. And if you are caught in a heavy current or undertow, don't try to swim against it. Just calmly move sideways within the current until you get to calmer water, then come ashore.

Keep these simple suggestions in mind and you'll have a safe time, in the sun, on the beach or at the pool. Have a safe and fun Summer at Central Florida's Beach!

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