DR. TIMOTHY DOUGHERTY

Summer in Florida is a time to soak up endless sunshine, warm Gulf breezes and enjoy the great outdoors. For locals, especially kids, it means relishing in long days at the beach, splashing in the water and experiencing the natural beauty that makes Southwest Florida so special.

While Florida’s paradise offers endless fun, it’s important to stay mindful of the unique safety concerns that come with living here. From jellyfish and stingray stings to intense heat and frequent lightning storms, being prepared can ensure your summer memories stay joyful and carefree. Here are some essential tips to keep you and your loved ones safe and protected.

Jellyfish and stingray stings

During the summer months, jellyfish populations in the Gulf of Mexico surge, thriving in the warmer waters. While jellyfish and stingrays are not aggressive by nature, they may feel provoked if they are accidentally disturbed.

It’s crucial to be aware of what’s beneath the surface and know how to respond if you get bitten or stung. Jellyfish stings can cause rashes, severe pain and welts. Immediate treatment involves rinsing the affected area for 15 to 30 minutes with white vinegar, ocean water (never fresh water) or 70 percent alcohol. If symptoms worsen or don’t improve, seek medical help immediately.

Stingrays typically lie hidden in the sand, and a quick way to avoid stepping on one is by shuffling your feet while walking in shallow water–a technique known as the “stingray shuffle.” If stung, immerse the area in hot water or apply a hot pack to neutralize the toxin and reduce pain. If you experience sharp pain, bleeding, dizziness or vomiting, head to the emergency room immediately.

Pool safety

Many children and teenagers travel to Southwest Florida during the summer to visit their families. But without proper pool safety, those happy memories can turn into heartbreak.

Florida has one of the highest rates of accidental drowning deaths among children under the age of 5. To help prevent any incidents, make sure to consistently lock all sliding doors leading to the pool. And consider adding extra layers of protection, such as door alarms or a pool fence, to keep children safe around water.

Staying cool in the summer heat

Florida summers bring not only sunshine but also intense heat. Heat-related illnesses are a serious concern, with thousands of deaths recorded nationwide each year. Residents and visitors must remain vigilant, especially when spending time outdoors or working in the sun.

Heat illnesses can range from mild to life-threatening and include:

• Heat rash appears as clusters of itchy pimples or blisters in sweat-prone areas of the body

• Heat cramps cause painful muscle spasms from loss of salt in the body

• Heat syncope can mean fainting or dizziness due to standing up too quickly

• Heat exhaustion’s telltale signs are heavy sweating, weakness, nausea, and an elevated temperature

• Rhabdomyolysis involves muscle breakdown, weakness, dark urine, and possible kidney issues

• Heat stroke means the body is having a hard time cooling down on its own, raising your core temperature and causing confusion, seizures, unconsciousness, and potentially permanent damage or death

If you or someone you’re with shows symptoms of heat illness, move to shade or indoors immediately. Remove excess clothing like jackets, shoes and socks; cool the body with a cold water or ice bath if possible, wetting the skin or placing cold wet cloths on the skin; place cold, wet cloths on the head, neck, armpits and groin, and circulate the air to help speed up the cooling process.

Seek emergency medical care if symptoms are severe, persist or worsen.

Car-related heat stroke

Hot car deaths are the leading cause of non-crash, vehicle-related fatalities among children who are 14 and under. In just 10 minutes, the temperature inside a car can rise by as much as 20 degrees, a dangerous increase that contributes to an average of 35 deaths each year.

To stay safe, never leave anyone — especially children, pets or older adults — in a parked car without air conditioning, even for a short time.

Practicing proper lightning safety

Known as the lightning capital of the United States, Florida experiences more lightning strikes per square mile than any other state, averaging about 1.2 million strikes each year. Thunderstorms can be sudden and severe, posing serious risks during outdoor activities.

As we enjoy pools, beaches and other outdoor fun this summer with our friends and loved ones, it’s important to remember how to stay lightning safe.

To stay safe, always:

• Monitor weather forecasts closely

• Know how long it takes to gather everyone and get indoors from wherever you are

• Seek shelter at the first sound of thunder, even before rain starts

• Wait at least 30 minutes after the last lightning strike or thunder before resuming outdoor activities

• Use the 30-second rule: if you hear thunder less than 30 seconds after seeing lightning, seek shelter immediately

• Remember lightning safety year-round and stay in practice

If caught outside with no shelter, avoid high ground, do not lie flat on the ground and instead crouch low with your head tucked and hands over your ears. Stay away from power lines, barbed wire fences, trees and bodies of water.

By staying informed and prepared, you can protect yourself and your loved ones and fully enjoy all that summer has to offer. Here’s to a safe and memorable summer in Southwest Florida!

Dr. Timothy Dougherty is medical director of Lee Health’s Cape Coral Hospital’s Emergency Department.