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Summer Safety Guide: Preventing Common Summer Injuries

Summer in St. Louis is all about sunshine, poolside laughs, and backyard cookouts, but it only takes a split second for fun to turn into a frantic trip to the ER. A slip on wet concrete, a distracted driver, or a grill accident can leave you dealing with serious injuries instead of making memories.

June is National Safety Month, making it the perfect time to learn how to protect yourself and your loved ones from common summer hazards.  It’s also a chance to understand what steps to take if someone else’s negligence suddenly disrupts your plans.

Discover the top risks for this summer and practical tips to help you stay safe. If another person’s negligence results in harm or injury, learn how a St. Louis personal injury lawyer can help you pursue compensation.

1. Water Safety

Pools, lakes, and water parks are popular summer spots for beating the heat. However, they can also be dangerous, especially for young children.

According to the CDC, the age-adjusted drowning fatality rate in Missouri is 1.42 per 100,000 people, higher than the national average of 1.31. In 2022, drowning was also the leading cause of preventable death for children ages 1 to 4.

Water safety tips:

  • Never swim alone and always supervise children closely, including at water parks. Don’t rely solely on lifeguards.
  • Install fences around home pools and keep flotation devices nearby.
  • Avoid alcohol while swimming or supervising swimmers.
  • Watch for slippery pool decks and follow all posted rules at public swimming areas.

2. Sun and Heat Safety

In 2023, the Missouri Department of Health & Senior Services (DHSS) reported 34 fatalities due to heat-related illnesses. Whether working outside or enjoying a sunny day outdoors, high heat and humidity can cause many serious health risks, including heat exhaustion, cramps, and heatstroke.

Heat safety tips:

  • Stay hydrated by drinking water regularly, even if you don’t feel thirsty.
  • Take breaks in the shade or air-conditioned spaces, especially during peak afternoon heat.
  • Wear breathable clothing, sunscreen with a sun protection factor (SPF) of 30 or higher, and wide-brimmed hats.
  • If you’re working outdoors, know the signs of heat exhaustion: dizziness, headache, nausea, or confusion.

3. Road Use by Cyclists, Pedestrians, and Drivers

Warm temperatures bring more people outdoors. Whether due to summer events, vacation, or simply enjoying a day out in the sun, summertime often means increased foot and road traffic and a higher number of bicycles, scooters, and motorcycles on the road.

The denser the traffic, the higher the risk of an accident. Crashes are the most dangerous to road users with the least protection, such as pedestrians and cyclists.

Road safety tips:

  • Cyclists and Bikers: Always wear helmets, bright colors, and reflective gear. Of the 172 motorcycle deaths recorded in 2023, 73 did not wear helmets.
  • Pedestrians: Obey all traffic signs and signals, and stay on the sidewalk as much as possible. If a sidewalk isn’t available, the law requires you to walk on the left side of the road or the equivalent shoulder, so traffic from the opposite direction can see you.
  • Drivers: Stay alert, avoid distractions, and slow down in residential neighborhoods and parks. Be mindful of pedestrians and cyclists on the roadside and leave at least 3-4 feet of space when passing.

4. Backyard Party Safety

Are you planning a summer party or BBQ in the backyard? While it’s an excellent opportunity to bring the fireworks, grills, and pets out, it can also increase injury risks, including burns, foodborne illnesses, dog bites, and fires.

Party safety tips:

  • Never leave grills or fire pits unattended; keep children and pets away from open flames.
  • Follow fireworks safety rules and familiarize yourself with local laws and ordinances. For example, fireworks are illegal in many Missouri municipalities, such as St. Louis.
  • Use a food thermometer to make sure barbecue meat is cooked to a safe temperature.
  • Supervise pets when guests are around, especially unfamiliar children, to prevent bites.

If You’re Injured Due to Someone Else’s Negligence

Accidents can happen even when you’ve done everything right, especially when another person’s careless actions put you in harm’s way.

You may be eligible to pursue compensation if you or a loved one was injured due to a property owner’s failure to maintain safe conditions or a driver’s reckless choices.

An injury can change your entire life. In addition to the physical pain, injuries can disrupt your income, your mental health, and the joy of your daily life.

With the help of an experienced St. Louis personal injury lawyer, you can seek damages for:

  • Medical bills and ongoing treatment costs
  • Physical therapies, medical prescriptions, and home care expenses
  • Lost income due to time off work
  • Pain and suffering
  • Emotional distress
  • Loss of enjoyment of life

At Cofman Townsley, we understand how a carefree summer day can suddenly take a painful and stressful turn. Whether you’re facing mounting medical bills from a poolside accident or recovering after a bicycle crash caused by a negligent driver, we help you fight for the full compensation you’re entitled to.

Don’t Let a Preventable Injury Ruin Your Summer

Summer should be about making memories, not medical appointments or negotiating with insurance companies. If another party’s failure to act responsibly led to your injury, you deserve accountability and compensation.

Call the St. Louis personal injury lawyers at Cofman Townsley today for a free consultation. We’re here for you 24/7, and you won’t owe us anything unless we win your case.