Summer Safety Tips for Minnesota Families: Stay Healthy While Enjoying the Season
Summer in Minnesota is a time for lake days, camping trips, neighborhood barbecues, bike rides, and evenings at the ballpark. After a long winter, it’s natural to want to spend as much time outdoors as possible.
While summer offers countless opportunities to stay active and make memories, it also brings seasonal health risks. A few simple precautions can help keep your family safe so you can focus on enjoying everything Minnesota has to offer.
Here are some practical summer safety tips from the team at Aslan Health.
Stay Hydrated
Hot weather increases the risk of dehydration, especially for children, older adults, and people working or exercising outside.
To stay hydrated:
- Drink water regularly—even before you feel thirsty.
- Carry a reusable water bottle when you’re away from home.
- Increase fluid intake during sports, yard work, or hiking.
- Limit sugary drinks and alcohol, which can contribute to dehydration.
Watch for signs of dehydration, including:
- Dark-colored urine
- Dry mouth
- Fatigue
- Dizziness
- Headache
Protect Your Skin from the Sun
Even on cloudy Minnesota days, ultraviolet (UV) rays can damage your skin.
Help prevent sunburn by:
- Applying a broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher.
- Reapplying sunscreen every two hours, or after swimming or sweating.
- Wearing sunglasses that block UV rays.
- Using wide-brimmed hats and lightweight clothing.
- Seeking shade during the strongest sunlight, typically between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.
Sunburn isn’t just uncomfortable—it also increases the risk of skin cancer later in life.
Know the Signs of Heat Illness
Although Minnesota isn’t known for year-round heat, summer temperatures and humidity can become dangerous.
Heat Exhaustion
Symptoms include:
- Heavy sweating
- Weakness
- Nausea
- Muscle cramps
- Dizziness
Move to a cool place, drink water, and rest.
Heat Stroke
Symptoms include:
- Body temperature above 103°F
- Confusion
- Hot, dry skin
- Loss of consciousness
Heat stroke is a medical emergency. Call 911 immediately.
Never leave children or pets in a parked vehicle—even for a few minutes. Temperatures inside a car can become life-threatening very quickly.
Stay Safe Around Water
Minnesota’s 10,000-plus lakes make water recreation a favorite summer activity, but safety should always come first.
Remember to:
- Never leave children unattended near water.
- Wear properly fitted life jackets while boating or kayaking.
- Designate one adult to actively supervise swimmers.
- Learn CPR if you spend significant time around water.
- Avoid swimming alone.
Even experienced swimmers can encounter unexpected currents, cold water, or fatigue.
Prevent Tick and Mosquito Bites
Minnesota has one of the nation’s highest rates of tick-borne illnesses, including Lyme disease.
Reduce your risk by:
- Using EPA-registered insect repellent.
- Walking in the center of hiking trails.
- Avoiding tall grass whenever possible.
- Wearing long sleeves and long pants in wooded areas.
- Checking yourself, children, and pets for ticks after spending time outdoors.
If you find a tick, remove it promptly with fine-tipped tweezers. Watch for fever, rash, or flu-like symptoms over the next several weeks and contact your healthcare provider if they occur.
Stay Safe During Outdoor Activities
Summer is a great time to stay active, but injuries increase when people spend more time outside.
Help prevent accidents by:
- Wearing bicycle helmets.
- Using protective gear for sports.
- Stretching before strenuous activities.
- Taking breaks during yard work.
- Wearing supportive footwear.
Simple precautions can prevent sprains, fractures, and heat-related injuries.
Practice Food Safety
Picnics and cookouts are summer traditions, but warm temperatures allow bacteria to grow quickly.
Remember to:
- Keep cold foods cold.
- Refrigerate leftovers within two hours (within one hour if temperatures exceed 90°F).
- Cook meats to safe internal temperatures.
- Wash hands before preparing food.
- Keep raw meats separate from ready-to-eat foods.
Food poisoning can quickly ruin a family gathering.
Keep Your Family Prepared
A little preparation can prevent small problems from becoming bigger ones.
Consider keeping:
- Sunscreen
- Insect repellent
- Water bottles
- Basic first aid supplies
- Tweezers for tick removal
- Electrolyte drinks
- Emergency contact information
Whether you’re camping, traveling, or spending the day at a local park, having these essentials nearby makes it easier to handle unexpected situations.
Enjoy Summer Safely
Summer should be filled with adventure—not trips to the emergency room. By staying hydrated, protecting your skin, preventing insect bites, practicing water safety, and preparing for the heat, your family can enjoy everything a Minnesota summer has to offer.
If you or a family member develops a summer illness, experiences a minor injury, or simply needs medical advice, Aslan Health is here to help. We believe everyone deserves access to affordable, compassionate healthcare so you can spend less time worrying and more time making memories.
Have a safe, healthy, and enjoyable summer!