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Summer Safety Tips for You and Your Family

Date: 07/03/25

Summer is a great time to be outside, go swimming and spend time in the sun. But it is also important to stay safe while enjoying summer activities. We’ve gathered a few tips to help you have a fun summer while keeping you and your family safe and healthy.

Sun Safety

  •  Avoid heat exhaustion by staying hydrated. According to the American Red Cross, adults should drink ¾ of a gallon, or 12 cups, of water per day.
    • Some of the signs of heat exhaustion are:
      • Pale and moist skin
      • Fatigue
      • Headache
      • Dizziness
      • Rapid heart rate
    • If you notice any of these symptoms while spending time outside this summer, take a rest and go indoors out of the heat.
  • Protect your skin from the sun.
    • Wear a hat to cover your face and shoulders
    • Use sunscreen that is at least SPF 15 or higher and reapply throughout the day

Water Safety

  •  Use U.S. Coast Guard approved life jackets when swimming.
  • Always have someone watching children while they swim or only swim in bodies of water with lifeguards available
  • Learn how to provide first aid or CPR in case of emergency.
  • Enroll in swimming lessons. You can find swim classes near you for children and adults and more water safety resources on the American Red Cross website.

Mosquito and Bug Safety

  •  Mosquitos, ticks and other bugs are more than just pests. They can also cause health issues and spread disease.
    • Make sure to use insect repellents that have DEET in them when you are outdoors.
    • Avoid tall grass or bushes where bugs live.
    • After camping or spending time outdoors, check yourself and your child for ticks.
    • Mosquitoes can breed in standing water. Make sure to dump any standing water out of buckets, flowerpots or other areas outside of your home.
  •  As a pharmacy benefit, members may be covered for two cans of mosquito spray.* This includes all pregnant female members, female members 10 through 55 years of age, and male members 14 years and older. Review the formulary on the Texas Vendor Drug Program website for covered products.

*Restrictions and limitations apply.