Summer is a glorious time to relax, explore and have fun, but outdoor activities can have dangers. Staying safe is just as important as having a good time, so here's a roundup of tips on being smart, prepared and prudent during the vacation season that starts this month.

• Sun safety: Wear a hat or cap to stay cooler on bright days and shield your scalp from ultraviolet rays. Smear or spray on lots of sunscreen labeled as generous with SPF 30 or 50, which refers to its sun protection factor. Reapply every two to three hours, and remember that sun comes through car windows. Just like brushing your teeth, sunscreen should be a daily routine during summer.
• Be weather-wise: If you plan to be outside for several hours, check the forecast and plan accordingly. By staying informed and flexible, you can make informed decisions to protect yourself and others from potential hazards..
• Stay hydrated: Bring water or a Gatorade type of drink when you're out, especially for hikes or strenuous activities. Waiting until you feel thirsty can be a sign that you’re already on your way to dehydration. In any case, take breaks from the sun and heat.
• Recognize heat exhaustion: Signs include dizziness, weakness, clammy skin, nausea and vomiting. If they occur, sit down indoors or at a shady area, drink cool – but not ice cold – liquid and have a snack. Damp cloths or paper towels on the face and other areas can help lower body temperature.
• Use insecticide: Apply lots of bug spray to avoid mosquito bites and tick bites that can cause potentially dangerous Lyme disease. Respray after swimming and when sweating heavily.

Next are activity-specific reminders of basic safeguards that really matter:

• Swimming: Never swim alone; swim with lifeguards or water watchers present. At ocean beaches, heed red warning flags or signs about risky conditions like rip tides. (Escape a strong current by swimming parallel to the beach, rather than trying to fight its exhausting pull by heading straight to shallow water.)
• Boating: Wear a life jacket while boating, regardless of swimming skill.
• Hiking: Go with a friend, stay on marked trails and avoid heavily wooded areas with ticks.
• Biking: Helmets cut the odds of a head injury by 50 percent, so wear one on every bicycle trip. Similar to car seats and seat belts, this should be a habit. Ride in the same direction as traffic. Stop at intersections and use hand signals. To avoid distractions and hear vehicles, never use headphones while cycling.

The span from Memorial Day to Labor Day is known as the "100 deadliest days" because fatal car crashes involving teens spike by 30 percent. So, for those who have a license:

• Avoid distraction: Don't text, eat, or talk more than briefly with passengers – especially any in the back seat. Don't tune the radio or adjust volume unless stopped or via steering wheel controls.
• Don't rush: Allow ample time to get where you're going to avoid stress or risky moves, such as speeding or jumping lights.
• Limit Passengers: Driving with other teens drastically increases accident potential.
• Avoid Late Nights: Crash risks rise significantly between 9 p.m. and midnight.

Summer is yours to enjoy. Just stay aware and take care of yourself. Smart choices keep the fun going and help you avoid risks. Have a safe, memorable season ahead!