Grundy Reporter

As summer intensifies, the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) has shared guidance on avoiding sunburn, heat exhaustion, and water-related injuries. The IDPH emphasizes several swimming safety measures to prevent drowning and other water hazards. These include supervising young children around water, using flotation devices, avoiding alcohol when swimming or supervising children, being aware of dangerous weather conditions, showering before entering a pool, not swimming while ill, and adhering to lifeguard instructions and pool protocols.

High temperatures and strong sunlight during this season can lead to heat stroke, sunburn, and other heat-related issues. To mitigate these risks, the IDPH recommends applying sunscreen regularly, wearing lightweight and light-colored clothing, staying hydrated, not leaving anyone or pets in parked vehicles, visiting the CDC’s Heat and Health tracker for safety tips tailored to your area such as proper hydration and outdoor exposure limits especially for those at risk of heat injury. Additionally, through Keep Cool Illinois initiative residents are encouraged to locate nearby cooling centers.

For further details on staying safe during the hot months, individuals are advised to visit the IDPH website for comprehensive water safety and heat safety information.