Trending
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.