Smart Summer Safety Tips for Families and the Accidents to Watch Out For

Long days, warm weather, and more time outdoors make summer one of the best seasons for families, but also one of the most accident-prone. Whether it’s pool days, bike rides, or outdoor sports, the risk of bumps, scrapes, or more serious injuries tends to rise. That’s where a few smart summer safety tips can make a big difference.

Knowing the most common summer mishaps and when they might require emergency care can help you enjoy the season with more peace of mind. A little awareness goes a long way in keeping your loved ones safe, healthy, and ready for fun.

Summer Activities Come with Extra Risks

While summer brings plenty of fun, it also comes with more time outside, longer daylight hours, and less structure in kids’ routines. All of this adds up to a spike in accidents. According to the CDC, emergency room visits increase during the summer months, especially among children and teens.

Being aware of common risks and how to respond helps you enjoy the season without worry.

Heat-Related Illness

Texas heat is no joke. Prolonged sun exposure or intense physical activity in high temperatures can lead to heat exhaustion or even heatstroke, a potentially life-threatening condition that needs immediate care.

Watch for signs like:

• Heavy sweating followed by dry or hot skin
• Dizziness, headache, or nausea
• Rapid breathing or heart rate
• Confusion or fainting

Head to the ER if:
Someone becomes confused, loses consciousness, or stops sweating altogether. These are signs of heatstroke, which requires immediate emergency treatment.

Prevent it by staying hydrated, taking breaks in the shade, and avoiding outdoor activity during the hottest parts of the day.

Swimming Injuries and Near Drownings

Water activities are a summer staple, but pools, lakes, and beaches come with real risks. The American Red Cross notes that drowning is one of the leading causes of accidental death in children under 14, especially in summer.

Common accidents include:

• Head injuries from diving
• Breathing difficulties from water inhalation
• Submersion injuries
• Slips and falls around pools

Go to the ER if:
There’s any sign of breathing trouble, head injury, or confusion after a swim. Even if your child seems okay after a near-drowning event, complications like secondary drowning can happen hours later and should be ruled out by a doctor.

Sports and Playground Injuries

From backyard games to camp activities, summer play is active and sometimes rough. Sprains, fractures, and concussions are among the most common injuries seen in ERs this time of year.

Look for signs such as:

• Swelling or bruising
• Inability to bear weight or move a limb
• Sharp or lasting pain
• Obvious bone deformity or dislocation

When to go to the ER:
If a joint looks out of place, a limb can’t move, or the pain and swelling are severe, get it checked right away. Prompt diagnosis and treatment can help ensure proper healing and prevent long-term issues.

Physicians Premier offers fast access to X-rays and imaging, so you don’t have to wait hours in a hospital ER.

Insect Bites and Stings

Mosquitoes, bees, ticks, and even fire ants are part of summer in Texas. Most bites are mild, but in some cases, they can cause allergic reactions or lead to infections.

What to watch for:

• Large swelling at the site
• Trouble breathing or swallowing
• Hives, rashes, or dizziness
• Fever or flu-like symptoms after a tick bite

Seek emergency care if:
There are signs of anaphylaxis, like facial swelling, difficulty breathing, or fainting. If a bite becomes red, warm, and increasingly painful, it could be infected and may need medical attention.

Fireworks and Burn Injuries

Fourth of July celebrations often include fireworks, sparklers, or grilling – all of which can lead to burns. Even sparklers can reach up to 2,000°F and cause serious injury.

Common burn types:

• First-degree: red and painful
• Third-degree: white or charred skin, often painless due to nerve damage

Go to the ER if:
The burn is large, deep, on the face or hands, or if it blisters. Burns in children should always be taken seriously, especially if they involve sensitive areas or were caused by flames, grease, or chemicals.

Dehydration

With rising temperatures and more outdoor activity, dehydration happens faster than you might think, especially in children and older adults.

Early signs include:

• Dry mouth

Emergency signs include:

• Extreme thirst

If someone is showing these signs and cannot keep fluids down, seek immediate medical attention at the emergency room for IV hydration and monitoring.

Cuts, Scrapes, and Wounds

Minor cuts are a part of summer fun, but deep or dirty wounds can be more serious. They can lead to infection or may need stitches to heal properly.

Head to the ER if:

• The bleeding doesn’t stop after 10 minutes of pressure
• The injury was caused by a rusty or dirty object (a tetanus shot may be needed)

Keep Summer Fun and Safe

No one wants to spend their summer in the ER, but accidents do happen. That’s why following a few practical summer safety tips is so important. The key is knowing when a situation needs immediate care and acting quickly. Whether it’s a sports injury, heat-related illness, or something more serious, Physicians Premier is here 24/7 to help.

Our freestanding ERs across Texas offer fast, hospital-level emergency care with short wait times and experienced staff. Find your nearest location here, and enjoy your summer with confidence, knowing we’re ready when you need us.

Sources
CDC – Emergency Department Visit Data
https://www.cdc.gov/nchs/products/databriefs/db456.htm
Physicians Premier – Warning Signs and Symptoms of Heat-Related Illnesses
https://mdpremier.com/warning-signs-and-symptoms-of-heat-related-illnesses/
Physicians Premier – When to Seek Emergency Care for a Bug Bite
https://mdpremier.com/when-to-seek-emergency-care-for-a-bug-bite/
United States Consumer Product Safety Information – Fireworks Injuries & Deaths
https://www.cpsc.gov/Safety-Education/Safety-Education-Centers/Fireworks
Physicians Premier – Dehydration: Causes, Symptoms, and Prevention
https://mdpremier.com/dehydration-causes-symptoms-and-prevention/
Physicians Premier – Lacerations: Dealing with Cuts
https://mdpremier.com/lacerations-dealing-with-cuts/
American Red Cross – Drowning Prevention & Facts
https://www.redcross.org/get-help/how-to-prepare-for-emergencies/types-of-emergencies/water-safety/drowning-prevention-and-facts.html