Clinical Corner: A Safe Summer for All

By: Katie Reed, RN 

Summer is a time to enjoy sunshine, fresh air, community outings, family gatherings, swimming, picnics, outdoor fun, and more.  It can also bring health risks such as extreme heat, sunburn, dehydration, foodborne illness, insect bites, and water-related emergencies.   

For people with intellectual and developmental disabilities, summer safety planning may require extra attention due to communication needs, sensory sensitivities, health conditions, mobility needs, medication effects, and changes in routine, all of which can affect comfort and safety.  Thoughtful preparation, clear communication, and person-centered supports can help make summer safer, calmer, and more enjoyable for everyone. 

Plan Ahead for Heat 

Heat-related illness can happen quickly, especially during humid weather or long periods outdoors.  Some people may not recognize symptoms such as thirst, overheating, dizziness, or fatigue right away, and others may have difficulty communicating how they feel.  Certain medications and medical conditions can also affect the body’s ability to regulate temperature. 

Tips to consider: 

– Schedule outdoor activities for the morning or evening when possible. 

– Build in frequent breaks in shaded or air-conditioned spaces. 

– Offer water regularly, even if the person does not ask for it. 

– Use visual reminders, timers, or routine-based prompts for hydration breaks. 

– Choose lightweight, loose-fitting, light-colored clothing. 

– Know the signs of heat exhaustion and heat stroke, including heavy sweating, weakness, headache, nausea, confusion, rapid pulse, or fainting. 

Make Sun Protection Part of the Routine 

Apply sunscreen before going outside and reapply throughout the day.  Hats, sunglasses, shade, and protective clothing can provide additional protection. 

For people with sensory sensitivities, consider trying sunscreens with different textures and scents such as sprays, sticks, mineral formulas, or fragrance-free options.  Practice applying sunscreen before community outings so it does not feel unfamiliar or rushed. 

Many prescription and over-the-counter medications can react with UV light and make the skin more sensitive to the sun.  Skin may burn, sting, turn red, blister, or develop a rash more easily than usual, even after a short time outdoors.  Common medication types that may cause photosensitivity include some antibiotics, pain relievers, birth control, anti-inflammatory, diuretic, acne, heart, allergy, depression, antifungal, cholesterol, diabetes, and cancer medications.  Not everyone will have a reaction, but it is important to check medication labels and take appropriate precautions. 

Additional tips to consider: 

– Reduce UV exposure and use strong sun protection, especially when starting a new medication or spending more time outdoors. 

– Avoid direct sun during the strongest UV hours, usually late morning through afternoon. 

– Use broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher. 

– Apply sunscreen before going outside and reapply every 2 hours, or sooner after swimming or sweating. 

– Remember that UV rays can still reach skin through windows, in the car, and on cloudy days. 

– Ask a pharmacist or healthcare provider if any medications you or a loved one are taking may increase sun sensitivity. 

– Seek medical advice if there is severe sunburn, blistering, swelling, a widespread rash, fever, or any reaction that does not improve. 

Water Safety  

Pools, lakes, beaches, splash pads, and backyard water features can be enjoyable, but all require close supervision.  Some people (such as young children and people with autism or sensory sensitivities) may be drawn to water, but may not understand depth or current, or may have difficulty responding to verbal directions in a busy environment. 

Safety Tips: 

– Assign a specific adult to provide active supervision near water. 

– Use well-fitting life jackets when appropriate, especially near open water. 

– Teach and repeat simple water rules, such as “stop,” “wait,” and “feet first.” 

– Consider adaptive swim lessons or water safety instruction. 

– Use visual boundaries, buddy systems, and planned check-ins during outings. 

Communication and Routine 

Summer often means schedule changes, new environments, loud events, crowds, and transitions.  These changes can be stressful for people who rely on routine or who need additional time to process information. 

Tips to consider: 

– Use a visual schedule, social story, or simple checklist before outings. 

– Review what will happen, who will be there, and when breaks will occur. 

– Bring communication tools, comfort items, headphones, sunglasses, or fidgets as needed. 

– Identify a quiet space before arriving at a crowded event. 

– Use plain language and short, concrete safety instructions. 

Plan Ahead for Food, Medication, and Health Needs 

Summer activities can disrupt normal meals, medication times, sleep schedules, and health routines.  Do your best to plan ahead to avoid missing essential supports on busy days. 

Tips to consider: 

– Pack medications, water, snacks, and any needed medical supplies. 

– Keep temperature-sensitive medications stored according to instructions. 

– Use alarms or written schedules for medication times during outings. 

– Keep perishable foods cold and avoid leaving food out in the heat. 

– Watch for changes in behavior that may signal discomfort, pain, overheating, dehydration, or anxiety. 

Avoid Bug Bites 

Summer activities that can increase your chances of getting bug bites include hiking, camping, working with animals, and visiting farms and forested areas.  Bugs such as mosquitoes, ticks, and fleas, can cause skin irritation and spread diseases such as malaria, yellow fever, zika, and Lyme.  While some cases are mild, these diseases can be severe and have lasting consequences.   

Tips to consider: 

– Your destination and activities can help determine what steps you need to take to protect yourself from bug bites.  Check the Center for Disease Control’s website for information on vaccines or medicines you may need and what diseases or health risks are a concern at your destination prior to travelling. 

– Use an Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)- -registered insect repellent on skin, clothing, and outdoor gear.  Be sure to read product labels and follow instructions. 

– If also using sunscreen, always apply insect repellent after sunscreen. 

– Wear long-sleeved shirts and long pants when weather appropriate. 

– Thoroughly check your body, clothing, pets, and gear for ticks after outdoor activities.  

– Talk to a healthcare provider if you develop a fever or other signs of illness during or after travelling.   

In Conclusion 

Planning ahead can make summer fun more accessible and predictable.  Before your next outing, take a few minutes to check the weather, review your plan, pack essentials, and make sure everyone knows how to ask for help.  These small steps can make a big difference in creating a safe, healthy, and enjoyable summer for all.