Each season in Rhode Island brings its own joy along with opportunities to get out and enjoy the Ocean State. Each one also brings some risks to be aware of when enjoying the great outdoors. Summer is no exception, and Newport, Rhode Island, certainly has a lot to offer. Here are some tips to help you enjoy summer in Newport and all of Rhode Island safely.
Wear sunscreen every day, even on cloudy days
Sunscreen should be an everyday essential, no matter the time of year. The best sunscreen is the one that you like to wear every day, making it less of a chore. Look for sunscreens that are at least SPF 30 and protect against both UVA and UVB rays. Make sure to reapply, especially if you’re going in water or getting sweaty. And if you’re going on the water, consider additional sun protection like SPF clothing—the water acts like a mirror, reflecting the sun’s rays right back at you.
Want more information on which sunscreens to use? Read this blog.
Take frequent water breaks
If you’re out and about, make sure to take a water bottle with you to help you stay hydrated. This is especially important if you’re spending all day outdoors, such as at a Rhode Island beach or jamming at Newport Folk Fest. Our bodies need water to function, and being outside in the sun naturally depletes our bodies of water faster—especially if we’re dancing around. Electrolyte powders can help hydrate the body and add some flavor to plain old water to make it fun and give a bit of a boost as well.
Watch out for the signs of dehydration and know when to seek medical attention.
Learn basic boating safety if you’re getting on the water
Hundreds of people die in boating accidents every year—most of them weren’t wearing life jackets. Wear a life jacket, or at least keep one accessible any time you’re on a boat. In Rhode Island, anyone operating a motorized boat with more than 10 horsepower (including jet-skis) is required to take a safe boating class.
Find more information on boating safety and resources in this blog.
And before you jump off a boat or cliff into water…
Cliff jumping, body surfing and open water swimming are all fun water activities around Rhode Island, and might look tempting from the heights of Newport’s Cliff Walk. But they also come with risks, and we generally don’t recommend diving from heights—our orthopedic specialists see patients who were injured in diving or body surfing events. It’s most important to know what you’re jumping into—specifically the depth of the water and the conditions.
Learn more about safe diving and body surfing.
Practice food safety at barbecues and picnics
Did you know the CDC estimates that one in six Americans will come down with a bout of food poisoning each year? Summer is a common time for these illnesses to rear their ugly heads, due to the heat that breeds bacteria in food that is left out too long. If you’re packing your lunch for a beach day or having a summer barbecue, be sure to brush up on food safety practices to keep everyone healthy.
Learn more about the symptoms of food poisoning and how to keep everyone safe.
Enjoy fireworks without getting burned
Summer and fireworks go hand in hand, and sometimes sparklers go in those hands, too. Sparklers are great fun but they can also cause a lot of damage as they heat up. Keep sparklers away from children to keep their little fingers safe. If you’re attending a professional fireworks display, consider ear protection as well—exploding fireworks can be louder than planes at lift off!
Find out more about fireworks safety.
No matter how you’re enjoying the Ocean State this summer, we hope you, your friends, and family have a safe and fun time. If disaster strikes and you do find yourself with an injury, our Brown University Health Urgent Care locations in Middletown, Providence, Johnston, and Warwick are open seven days a week.
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