Summer Safety Tips

 The Cape May County Department of Health wants you to have a happy and healthy summer! Here are some tips that will help keep you and your family safe:

Water Safety

Swimming is the second most popular sports activity in the United States and people make approximately 339 million visits to recreational water venues each year. But despite its popularity, swimming can be dangerous. In the past two decades, there has been an increase in the number of recreational water illnesses (RWI). These illnesses can be spread by swallowing, breathing in, or having contact with contaminated water associated with swimming pools, water parks, hot tubs, lakes, rivers and oceans. The movie Jaws was fictional, but RWIs are not! What are RWIs? How can I prevent an RWI? Pool chemical injuries account for as many as 5,200 emergency room visits each year. How can I apply pool chemicals safely?

• Tips from CDC for
  • Pool users
  • Spa users

Click here to Learn More About Swimming Safety.

Sun Safety

Skin cancer is the most common form of cancer in the United States. One in five Americans will develop skin cancer in their lifetime. Exposure to the sun′s ultraviolet (UV) rays appears to be the most important environmental factor involved with developing skin cancer and tends to be greater during the summer months. The two most common types, called basal cell and squamous cell carcinomas, are highly curable. However, melanoma, the third most common skin cancer, is more dangerous, especially among young people. Between 65 percent to 90 percent of melanomas are caused by exposure to UV light in sunlight.

• Basic information about skin cancer
• Risk factors for developing skin cancer
• What you can do to protect yourself from the sun
• Play it Safe in the Sun: A Guide for Parents
• Skin cancer prevention and education initiative fact sheet

Fireworks Safety

Typically, 60 percent of injuries from fireworks in the United States occur in the month surrounding the July 4th holiday. In 2005 an estimated 10,800 people were treated in emergency departments for fireworks-related injuries. Injuries from fireworks most often affect the hands, eyes, and the head, face, and ears. Fireworks should be used only by trained professionals! Most municipalities in Cape May County offer excellent and safe opportunities to enjoy fireworks on Independence Day.

• Fireworks-related injuries fact sheet
• Fireworks safety month

Tick and Mosquito Bite Safety

Since bites are itchy, even without any worries about health problems, like West Nile Virus and Lyme disease, it is a good idea to try to protect your kids from insect bites by learning how to apply an insect repellent properly. Apply Insect Repellent on your Kids

Food Safety

Summer wouldn’t be complete without picnics and barbecues.  But be careful: Federal government studies show that cases of food-borne illness rise in summer for two reasons. ·         First, bacteria grow faster in the warm summer months, especially when humidity is high. ·         Second, more people are cooking and eating outdoors where refrigerators and sinks aren't available.

Enjoy your Summer Safely in Cape May County!