There’s nothing Kiwis like better than spending summer outdoors; at the beach, the Bach, or by the BBQ. And summer’s a great time for getting things done around the home too, with the fine weather an added incentive to get out and tackle the garden and those DIY jobs you’ve put off all winter. But before you head out, here are some safety reminders and our top tips for a super safe summer in New Zealand.

Slip, slop, slap

Too much fun in the sun increases the risk of skin cancer so it’s important you follow good skin protection habits at all times. Protect yourself from sunburn by:

• Staying in the shade, especially at the hottest time of the day.
• Covering up with a long-sleeve top.
• Using sunscreen even on cloudy days. As a general guide, the Cancer Society of NZ recommends the use of broad-spectrum, SPF30+ sunscreen. Broad-spectrum sunscreen reduces the intensity of both UVA and UVB rays. If you have fair skin that burns easily you should choose an SPF 50+ broad-spectrum sunscreen.
• Reapplying sunscreen every 2 hours, especially if you’ve been in water.
• Wearing a wide-brimmed hat and polarized sunglasses to protect your face and eyes. 

Stay cool

Staying cool and hydrated is vital to good health, and even more so during the hot summer months. If you’re spending time in the sun, be sure to up your water intake and pay attention to some of the signs that point to dehydration, including headaches, fatigue, muscle aches and itchy or dry skin.

Here are some things you can do to stay cool and hydrated this summer:

• Drink plenty of water – add a slice of lemon, lime or some mint and ice cubes to freshen up your water.
• Cut down on alcohol in hot weather as it can dehydrate you further.
• Eat frozen fruit snacks or ice blocks.
• Open windows and doors at home to allow a breeze in.
• Turn on the ceiling fan or aircon if you’re inside. 

Be water safe

Be it the beach, the pool or a river, being close to the water is a big part of our summer fun. But it can be a place of danger too. That’s why it’s necessary to follow a few simple rules to stay water safe: 

• Everyone who enters the water must be properly trained to swim.
• Always supervise young children or those who don’t swim well.
• Establish ground rules for entering the water before anyone gets into the pool, the sea or a river.
• Understand how tides and currents work so you don’t get caught out in a rip. If in doubt, stay out of the water.
• Never swim alone and know your own limits.
• Read and obey the safety signs, and if you do get into trouble at the beach, stay calm and raise your hand in the air. This is the signal to the lifeguards to say, ‘I need help’.

Eat well

Summer for most Kiwis means BBQs, outdoor entertaining and picnics on the beach. However you choose to enjoy your summer meals, be extra careful about storing food when you’re outdoors.  

• Use ice packs in travel coolers to keep food cold and to stop it from spoiling in the heat.
• Keep raw meat in a separate container away from food and drinks.
• Keep hand sanitizer and wet wipes in your car to use when you’re out or eating on the go. 

Furry friends

Remember also to keep your pets safe this summer holiday by providing plenty of fresh drinking water, a cool spot to rest in, and if you’re out on walks, aim for early morning or late afternoon to avoid the midday sun and hot footpaths. And never leave your pet in a car unattended – summertime temperatures inside a closed car can reach deadly levels!

Stay safe this summer

Summer is a great time to spend with family and friends outdoors, be it relaxing at the beach or holidaying at the bach. It’s also a time when many Kiwis think about moving or buying a new home. So if you’re planning to buy during the summer break or in the new year, get in touch with a Mortgage Express branded mortgage adviser today to start planning your finances and ensure you’re ahead of the game.