Enjoy summer safely!

Here are some tips to help you enjoy the summer safely…

Stay safe when visiting the beach and around open water

In the warm weather it is really tempting to spend time at the beach and around open water but there can be hidden dangers to be aware of to help keep you safe.

• Please take extra care around rivers, flooded quarries, lakes, reservoirs, and at the seaside. You should swim only in designated areas like our bathing beaches in Fleetwood and Cleveleys.
• If you do swim at our beaches, don’t get caught out by the tide. The tide comes in quickly, making it very easy to get cut off by the sea. Be aware of incoming tides and sandbanks which can cut you off.
• If you’re struggling in the water, try to stay calm. Lean back and use your arms to help you float. Concentrate on regulating your breathing until you can shout for help. This technique is called Float to Live.
• If you see anyone in danger or attempting to enter the water in poor sea conditions, immediately dial 999 and ask for the coastguard. Do not put yourself in danger.
• Remember to check the Swimfo website when visiting our bathing water beaches. Wyre’s annual water quality assessment at our bathing beaches in Cleveleys and Fleetwood is classified as good. However sometimes water quality can be reduced, particularly after heavy rain. Look out for temporary signs or check online when you visit. If there is a an advisory notice not to swim, our beaches will still be open with plenty to enjoy on your visit.

Keep safe in the sun

• Keep out of the sun when it is at its hottest, this is between 11.00am and 3.00pm
• If you have to go out in the heat, walk in the shade, apply sunscreen with a high UV protection rating, wear a hat or light scarf and take water with you
• Wear light, loose-fitting cotton clothes, covering as much of the skin as possible
• Try to avoid any extreme physical exertion or keep these activities for the cooler parts of the day like the early morning or evening
• Stay hydrated throughout the day with plenty of cold drinks, and avoid excess alcohol, caffeine and hot drinks
• Take cool showers or baths

Keep others safe in the sun

Vulnerable people are at the most risk during hotter weather. Follow these tips to help keep other safe in the sun.

• Keep an eye on isolated, elderly, ill or very young people and make sure they are able to keep cool
• Ensure that babies, children or elderly people are not left alone in stationary cars
• Check on elderly or sick neighbours, family or friends every day during a heatwave
• Be alert and call a doctor or social services if someone is unwell or further help is needed
• If you have a pet, remember if it feels hot to you, it will feel hot to them! See advice from the RSPCA on how to keep your pet cool in the summer

Keep safe from fire

During the summer months when there is less rain, temperatures are high and our parks and green spaces are drier, there’s an increased risk of wildfire. Wildfires can happen for many reasons, but the reality is that most are started by people and this is completely avoidable.

• If you are enjoying Wyre’s great outdoors, be respectful of nature and of others
• Never use a disposable barbecue or campfire in our parks and open spaces, or at our beaches and pack a picnic instead!
• You must dispose of all of your rubbish responsibly.
• Avoid smoking while out and about. If you must smoke, carefully dispose of all cigarette butts responsibly.
• If you see – or suspect you see – a wildfire, don’t hesitate. Call 999 and report it straight

Keep your home cool

Keeping your living space cool is provides some relief from the sun. This is especially important for vulnerable people.

• Keep windows that are exposed to the sun closed during the day, and if it is safe to do so, open windows at night when the temperature has dropped
• Turn off non-essential lights and electrical equipment - they generate heat and waste energy!
• Use an electric fan if temperatures are less than 35C
• Keep food refrigerated. Bacteria on food can multiply very quickly, especially in hot weather and this increases the risk of food poisoning.  Make sure food is only out of the fridge for a short time prior to eating or cooking and do not leave food out in the sun

Further information to help you be prepared

• The NHS Website contains further information about how to cope in hot weather
• You can check the Met Office website for up to date weather forecasts