Summer 2025 is officially here and many of us are heading outdoors to soak up the sunshine and make memories! While the season brings plenty of fun, it also comes with an increase in injuries from a variety of summer activities. At CD Law, we want you and your loved ones to enjoy a safe and injury-free summer. Here’s what you should know about common summer hazards, and what you can do to prevent them!
Water Safety
Pools, lakes, rivers and beaches are among the most popular summer destinations, but they also account for a significant number of injuries each year. Drowning is the leading cause of death for children ages 1-4. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) there are around 4,000 fatal unintentional drownings each year in the U.S., with the highest amount of drownings taking place in the month of July.
Water safety tips:
- Never take your eyes off children near water, even with a lifeguard present
- Wear life jackets when boating or swimming in open water
- Avoid running near pools and on other wet surfaces
- At the beach, beware of rip currents and always utilize the “stingray shuffle” to avoid an encounter with our stinging friends!
- Never dive headfirst into unfamiliar water, it can be shallower than it looks and lead to serious neck or spinal injuries.
Playground Hazards
With parents trying to keep their kids busy outside of school, the local playgrounds fill up fast…and so do emergency rooms. According to the Consumer Product Safety Commission, over 200,000 children are treated in ERs each year for playground related injuries.
Falls are the most common cause of injury at a playground. Always make sure your kids are using age appropriate equipment and are supervised at all times. Even a short fall from a climbing structure can lead to broken bones or concussions. Utilize the National Safety Council’s list of hazards to check for before allowing your kids on the playground!
Heat-Related Illnesses
Every summer, thousands of people are hospitalized due to heat exhaustion or heat stroke, which can be fatal if untreated.
Prevent heat-related illness by:
- Drinking plenty of water. Keep your water bottle with you all day throughout the summer
- The CDC recommends avoiding beverages high in sugars and sodium, caffeine, and alcohol, if possible as they may dehydrate you
- Taking breaks in the shade
- Avoiding strenuous activity during peak afternoon heat (10 am – 2pm)
These are the symptoms of your body overheating to be aware of:
- Muscle cramping
- Unusually heavy sweating
- Shortness of breath
- Dizziness
- Headaches
- Weakness
- Nausea
Hiking and Outdoor Injuries
If you’re hiking, skateboarding, biking, always take it slow and use proper safety equipment like helmets. These outdoor activities can lead to sprains, falls, and or even rescue situations if a trail is unfamiliar to you.
The National Park Service has great resources on how to choose a hike that’s right for you. They recommend knowing your limits, planning your hikes ahead of time, what to bring, and safety tips such as staying together and letting the slowest hiker in your group set the pace.
We hope that Summer 2025 is the most memorable yet, and for all the right reasons. With a little planning and extra caution, you can be sure your family stays safe, healthy and injury-free! And remember, if someone does get injured, we’re just a phone call away.
(213) 593-9095
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July 15, 2025