Enjoy Your Summer, Safely

Warm weather has arrived in Vermont, and the mountains are lush and green. Swimming, hiking, biking, grilling, sports and even outdoor projects are among the many Vermont summertime activities on our to-do lists! It is easy to prevent illness and injury while enjoying the outdoors if you follow some simple health and safety tips.

Sun Safety

Vermont has one of the highest rates of melanoma in the U.S. However, most skin cancers can be prevented. Follow these tips to be sun smart when playing and working outdoors: 

  • Apply a thick layer of broad spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher, even on cloudy days. Reapply sunscreen at least every two hours and after swimming, sweating, or toweling off.

  • Seek shade, especially during midday hours. Umbrellas, trees, or other shelters can provide relief from the sun.

  • Be extra careful around surfaces that reflect the sun’s rays, like sand, water, and concrete.

  • Wear protective gear like a hat with a wide brim and sunglasses that block UVA and UVB rays to protect your face and eyes. Wear a long-sleeved shirt and pants or a long skirt for additional protection. If that’s not practical, try wearing a t-shirt or a beach cover-up.

  • Skip the “base tan.” Indoor tanning and tanning outside are both dangerous. A tan indicates damage to your skin. Indoor tanning is designed to give you high levels of UV radiation in a short time.

Free Sunscreen Dispensers

To make sun safety easier, you will find free sunscreen dispensers in many Vermont State and local parks. The following local sites installed new dispensers in 2023:

  • City of Barre’s Rotary Park - Municipal Pool
  • City of Rutland Recreation and Parks - White Memorial Park & Pool
  • Paran Recreations, Inc. - Lake Paran, North Bennington
  • Retreat Farm, Ltd - Farmhouse Square entrance, Brattleboro
  • Rutland Town Recreation - Northwood Pool
  • Spectrum Youth and Family Services - St. Albans Drop-In Center
  • St. Albans Recreation - Hard’ack Recreation Area
  • Town of Brattleboro Recreation & Parks - Living Memorial Park
  • Town of Bristol Recreation Department - Bristol Recreation Field
  • Town of Castleton - Crystal Beach
  • Town of St. Albans - St. Albans Bay Park
  • Village Improvement Society, Inc. - Powers Park, Lyndonville 

Learn More

IMPACT Melanoma
Cancer Prevention in Vermont

Summer Weather

We'll enjoy many days when the weather is delightful. You will also want to be prepared for days that bring extreme heat or storms. Dress and pack for potential changes in weather. Tell people where you are going and bring plenty of water.

smiling child in pool

Swim Safe

Here is some useful information about recreational water quality, swimming hole safety, how to prevent swimming-related illnesses, and what you need to know to identify and avoid potentially toxic cyanobacteria.

A question mark with the words "Did you know?" under it.

You can learn about water safety with an American Red Cross class and find out about swim classes for your youngster.

 

    older man and boy fishing

    Pests and Plants

    Protect your comfort and health in the great outdoors by learning about a few pests and plants to watch out for.


    Enjoy Your Summer Eats Safely

    It's a great time for picnics and barbeques and food cooked over a camp stove. No one wants to get sick in the summer, and these guidelines can help ensure your feasts are safe to eat.