Northern Michigan is known for its beautiful lakes, breathtaking trails and delicious restaurants. Stay safe this summer while enjoy all Northern Michigan has to offer. Jessica Panoff, PA-C, with McLaren Northern Michigan MedCenter in Petoskey shares the following summer safety tips:

Always Wear a Lifejacket

¯ Nearly 85% of individuals who drown while boating were not wearing a lifejacket.

¯ Two-thirds of drowning victims are considered good swimmers.

Check Water

Temperature — How Cold is Too Cold?

Here’s a guide for water temperature and how it affects the body:

¯ Below 77 degrees: breathing begins to be affected.

¯ 70-60 degrees: difficult to control breathing and hold breath.

¯ 60-50 degrees: Cannot gain control of breathing once lost. Begin to lose control of limbs after a few minutes of submersion.

¯ Below 40 degrees: Water is painfully cold. Total loss of breathing control.

Don’t Drink and Boat

¯ You wouldn’t consider drinking alcohol and driving a car; a boat is no different.

¯ Alcohol can be more hazardous on water than on land due to marine environment accelerating alcohol effects.

Be Your Own Lifeguard

¯ Ensure everyone can swim well. If they can’t, use a lifejacket.

¯ Learn CPR.

¯ Never leave children unattended by water, even when a lifeguard is present.

Wear Appropriate

Hiking Shoes

¯ Wearing proper hiking shoes protect your feet against bruising, abrasion from wilderness terrain and exposure to insects and poison ivy.

Make a Survival Pack

¯ Keep a backpack with a first-aid kit, change of clothes, nonperishable snacks and water bottles in your vehicle. Make sure to have enough for each member of the family.

Stay Cool — Remember Water, Rest and Shade

¯ Wear light-colored clothing to reflect the sunlight.

¯ Wear clothes that breath.

¯ Wear a hat and sunglasses.

¯ Stay hydrated with cold water and fluids with electrolytes.

¯ Seek shade to avoid heat stroke.

Abide by Firework

Precautions

¯ Obey local laws.

¯ Read cautionary labels and descriptions before igniting.

¯ Never give fireworks to children.

¯ Alcohol and fireworks do not mix.

¯ Wear safety glasses when shooting fireworks.

¯ Create a safety zone of 30 feet or more.

¯ Have a bucket of water and charged water hose nearby.