Red Cross wants you to stay cool and safe this summer

On this hot, first day of summer, the Red Cross offers you some tips to beat the heat and have a fun and safe summer!

Avoid being outdoors during the hottest part of the day.
If you don’t have air conditioning, choose places that you could go for relief such as schools, libraries, or malls.
Work and exercise in short periods.
Dress in light, loose clothing and wear a hat.
Drink plenty of fluids but avoid caffeine and alcohol.
Check on family, friends and neighbours who do not have air conditioning.
Never leave children and pets alone in enclosed vehicles.

Take a first aid course to learn the signs, symptoms and treatment of heat-related illnesses. If someone is showing signs and symptoms of a heat-related illness, seek medical assistance immediately.

Heat exhaustion involves the loss of bodily fluids through sweating while exercising or doing physical labour in extreme heat. Symptoms include: profuse sweating, weakness, dizziness, nausea and vomiting, headache and muscle cramps.

Heat stroke is a life-threatening condition in which a person’s temperature control system stops working, and the body is unable to cool itself. Symptoms include hot and red skin, changes in consciousness, vomiting, and a high body temperature. How you can help (PDF, 306kb)
Swimming is a fun way to cool down, but it’s important to have swimming skills and understand the risks around the water!

Whether it’s a pool, the bathtub, or the beach, parents should always watch children actively around water—even if they can swim.

Backyard pools are especially dangerous for small children.
In addition to active supervision, ensure adequate barriers are in place for backyard pools such as four-sided fencing along with a self-closing, self-latching gate.
Portable or inflatable pools should be emptied after each use or covered and locked.

Diving headfirst into water should be avoided unless the individual is properly trained and is sure that the water is deep enough.
Many in-ground home pools, even those with diving boards, are unsafe for diving.

Never underestimate the power of current. Swimmers or waders can be swept away in an instant, particularly if non-swimmers or weak swimmers get caught by current in rivers or out of their depth in abrupt drop-offs.