Summer safety advice

High temperatures can cause people to become unwell quickly, particularly through heat exhaustion and dehydration. Hot weather can also worsen existing health conditions.

Children, older people, pregnant women and those with long-term health conditions are often at greater risk.

Stay safe in hot weather by:

• Drinking plenty of water throughout the day
• Taking regular breaks in the shade
• Wearing sunscreen and reapplying regularly
• Wearing light, loose-fitting clothing
• Avoiding strenuous activity during the hottest part of the day
• Checking in on older relatives, neighbours and vulnerable people
• Read more on the NHS website

Do you know the difference between heat exhaustion and heat stroke?

Heat exhaustion - Most people recover quickly with self-care.

Symptoms can include:

• Dizziness
• Headache
• Excessive sweating
• Feeling sick
• Tiredness or weakness

What to do:

• Move somewhere cool
• Rest
• Drink water
• Cool down

Heat stroke (medical emergency) - Heat stroke can be life-threatening.

Symptoms can include:

• Confusion
• Very high temperature
• Hot, dry skin
• Collapse
• Loss of consciousness

What to do:

• Call 999 immediately.

Water safety

Open water may look calm and inviting on a warm day, but it can be colder, deeper and more dangerous than people expect.

Cold-water shock can affect your breathing and ability to stay afloat within seconds.

Remember:

Even on the hottest days, rivers, lakes, reservoirs and the sea can remain dangerously cold.

Taking a moment to think before entering the water could save your life.

Stay safe around water by:

• Avoiding swimming in rivers, lakes and reservoirs

• Never jumping into water to cool down

• Supervising children closely at all times

• Avoiding alcohol when near water

• Choosing supervised locations, such as lifeguarded beaches, where possible

• Talking to children and young people about the dangers of open water

If something goes wrong

• Call 999 and ask for the coastguard if you're near the coast.
• If you're in difficulty in the water, try to float on your back and control your breathing - www.rnli.org/water-safety/float 
• Look out for others and never put yourself at risk trying to rescue someone.

Summer often means more people cycling, using e-bikes, scooters, skateboards and rollerblades.

Many of the serious injuries our crews attend involve head injuries, particularly where helmets have not been worn.

Small actions can prevent life-changing injuries.

Read more about bike safety as a cyclist and road user here: https://www.think.gov.uk/cycle-safety/

Protect yourself every time you ride:

• Wear a helmet – even for short journeys

• Make sure your helmet fits properly

• Replace damaged helmets immediately

• Check bikes and scooters are safe before use

• Stay aware of traffic and your surroundings

• Encourage children and young people to wear helmets every time

Road safety matters too:

Whether you're walking, cycling, riding or driving:

• Look out for cyclists, scooter users and pedestrians

• Give plenty of space when passing

• Check before turning or opening vehicle doors

• Be patient and aware, particularly in busy areas

Being prepared can help you deal with minor issues early and prevent them from becoming more serious.

When you're heading out this summer, consider carrying:

• Water

• Sunscreen

• Basic first aid supplies

• A charged mobile phone

• Appropriate clothing and sun protection

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Choosing the right service helps ensure emergency care is available for those who need it most.

Call 999 if:

• Someone is seriously ill or injured

• Someone is unconscious

• Someone is having difficulty breathing

• Someone has symptoms of heat stroke

Use NHS 111 if:

• You need urgent medical advice but it's not life-threatening

Consider other services like:

• Your local pharmacy

• Your GP practice

• An urgent treatment centre for minor illnesses and injuries.