There’s nothing better than Kiwi summertime, especially after a long, cold winter. Getting outdoors with family and friends, spending time at the beach, the Bach or around the BBQ. And summer’s a great time to tackle those DIY jobs you shelved during winter, plan and plant a new garden, or just enjoy time outdoors. But before you head out into the sun, here are 3 tips to keep you and your family safe this summer.

Be sun-smart

New Zealanders have a high risk of developing skin cancers because of our low ozone levels, so keeping sun safe is not just an option, it’s essential. When you’re outside between 10am and 4pm, protect yourself from the sun. It’s super-easy, just: 

• Slip on clothing that covers as much skin as possible.
• Stay in the shade of a leafy tree, building or sun shade.
• Slop on a broad-spectrum, water-resistant sunscreen of at least SPF 30.
• Slap on a hat with a wide brim or flaps to cover ears and neck.
• Wrap on sunglasses to protect your eyes from sun damage. 

Be cool

Hot, humid days can sometimes be dangerous as it’s not good for our bodies to be too hot for too long. It’s important to keep yourself and your home cool when the days are hot. Here’s how:

• Hydrate yourself, drinks lots of water.
• Avoid the sun at the hottest times of the day.
• Dress appropriately in cool, cotton clothing.
• Keep curtains closed during the day to cut out the sun so your home stays cool.
• Open doors and windows in different rooms to create a cross draught and let a cooling breeze waft through your home.
• Ensure your home is well-insulated above ceilings and under floors to keep out the heat.
• Turn off unnecessary lights and electrical appliances to reduce your home’s heat load.
• Cook outside on the BBQ instead of inside on a hot stove or oven. 

Be water-safe

Whether it’s at the beach, around the pool, or on the river, spending time in the water is a big part of Kiwi summer. Unfortunately, many people aren’t aware just how dangerous water can be. So before you grab your togs and towel and head to the water, follow these safety rules:

• Learn to swim.
• Always supervise children.
• Wear a life jacket when boating, fishing, jet skiing or paddle boarding.
• Become a Coastguard member and learn the Boating Safety Code.
• Watch out for rips – strong currents that run out to sea. Rips typically look like calm patches of water with wave breaking on either side.
• Swim between the flags at the beach and raise your hand to signal you need help if you get into trouble in the water.
• Don’t drink alcohol or take drugs before swimming.
• Never swim in clothes as they can become heavy and drag you under water.
• Read the signs and obey the safety advice. 

A good time for a financial review

Summer may be a good time to get outdoors, head away on holiday, or tackle those DIY projects around the home, but it’s also a great time to review your mortgage. Whether you’re travelling overseas, planning a staycation or working through the summer, get in touch with a Mortgage Express branded mortgage adviser today to review your finances this summer and start the new year on the right foot.