As summer reaches its peak, the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) has provided some helpful tips on how to avoid sunburn, heat exhaustion, and injury from water-related incidents. 

The IDPH offers the following safe swimming tips to prevent drowning and other water risks: 

• Supervise young children around water
• Use flotation devices
• Avoid alcohol when swimming, supervising children, and on watercrafts
• Be aware of dangerous weather conditions
• Shower before getting into the swimming pool and do not swim while ill
• Pay attention to lifeguards and swimming pool protocols

This time of year also brings high temperatures and intense sun, which in turn can bring heat stroke, sunburn, and other heat-related illnesses or tragedy. To avoid these illnesses, the IDPH urges the public to follow these precautions: 

• Apply sunscreen regularly
• Wear lightweight, light colored clothing 
• Stay hydrated
• Do not leave anyone, including pets, in a closed, parked vehicle
• Go to the CDC’s Heat and Health tracker for more information and instructions on how to stay safe from the heat in your area,  such as appropriate hydration, amount of outdoor exposure, especially if you are at risk for heat injury
• Through Keep Cool Illinois, get to know where cooling centers in IL are located 

For more information on how to protect yourself and others during the hot summer months, visit IDPH’s website for water safety tips and heat safety tips.