Summer safety

At this time of year most of us look forward to some warm, sunny weather and the chance to spend time outdoors, but it’s important to remember that some people struggle to cope in the heat.

The good news is, we can all take precautions that allow us to enjoy the hot weather safely and help people who might be more vulnerable as the temperatures rise.

Who's most at risk from hot weather?

Anyone can become unwell when the weather is hot. People who are at higher risk of becoming seriously unwell include:

• Older people aged 65 years and over
• Babies and young children aged 5 years and under
• People with underlying health conditions particularly heart problems, breathing problems, dementia, diabetes, kidney disease, Parkinson’s disease, or mobility problems
• People on certain medications
• People with serious mental health problems
• People who are already ill and dehydrated (for example from diarrhoea and vomiting)
• People with a substance use disorder
• People who are physically active and spend a lot of time outside such as runners, cyclists and walkers
• People who work in jobs that require manual labour or extensive time outside
• People experiencing homelessness, including rough sleepers and those who are unable to make adaptations to their living accommodation such as sofa surfers or living in hostels
• People who live alone and may be unable to care for themselves

Heat safety top tips

There are a few very simple things we can all do to stay safe when we experience hot weather. This includes:

• Looking out for people who may struggle to keep themselves cool and hydrated. Get in touch with friends, family or neighbours that may need help keeping cool
• Staying cool indoors is important, taking action like closing curtains in rooms that face the sun but also remembering that it may be cooler outdoors than indoors
• If you’re out and about, try to keep out of the sun and avoid physical exertion in the hottest part of the day (between 11am-3pm)

What to do if you become unwell

If you or someone else feels unwell with a high temperature during hot weather, it may be heat exhaustion or heatstroke.

If you, or someone you know, are experiencing symptoms of heat exhaustion that you’re struggling to treat, phone 111 or get help from 111 online.

If you’re experiencing symptoms after 30 minutes of resting in a cool place, you have a very high temperature, a fast heartbeat and/or breathing, confusion, a seizure or loss of consciousness, phone 999.

There’s lots more information online to help you stay safe during hot weather. Visit the UKHSA and NHS websites including their pages on how to beat the heat and on heat exhaustion and heatstroke.

If you like to go outside in the sunshine, it’s important to make sure you’re protected against the sun’s harmful rays.

Did you know that sunburn increases your risk of skin cancer? Sunburn does not just happen on holiday. You can burn in the UK, even when it's cloudy.

There's also no safe or healthy way to get a tan. A tan does not protect your skin from the sun's harmful effects.

Sun safety top tips

Spend time in the shade when the sun is strongest. In the UK, this is between 11am and 3pm from March to October.

Make sure you:

• Spend time in the shade between 11am and 3pm
• Never burn
• Cover up with suitable clothing and sunglasses
• Take extra care with children
• Keep children aged under six months out of direct strong sunlight
• Use at least factor 30 sunscreen

What to do if you're sunburnt

If you’re sunburnt after time exposed in the sun, there are a few things you can do:

• Sponge sore skin with cool water, then apply soothing aftersun cream or spray, like aloe vera
• Take painkillers, such as paracetamol or ibuprofen, to ease the pain and help to reduce inflammation caused by sunburn
• Stay out of the sun until all signs of redness have gone

Find out more about treating sunburn.

There’s lots more information online to help you stay safe in the sun. Visit the NHS website including their page on sunscreen and sun safety.

During warm weather, going for a swim in a local river, lake or the sea can provide much welcomed relief. However, open water swimming, and other water-based activities such as surfing, paddleboard or kayaking, can lead to trouble in the water if you’re not careful.

If you are going into open water to cool-down, take care and follow the below safety advice to reduce the risk of getting ill or into danger.

• Be aware of the dangers
• Know your limits and don't take risks
• Go with others and look out for each other
• Make sure your phone is charged so you can call for help if you come across anyone who needs it
• Try to avoid swallowing or splashing water into your mouth
• Observe local safety advice
• Make sure you swim between the red and yellow lifeguard flags

What to do if you become unwell or find yourself in danger

If you do become unwell with diarrhoea or any other symptoms, seek medical help and let them know you have been open water swimming. Do not swim again until you have had no diarrhoeal symptoms for at least 48 hours, or for a longer period if advised by a doctor.

If you, or someone else, comes into danger in the water, call 999 or 112 and ask for the coastguard.

Further information, visit the RLNI’s website including their page on water safety and knowing the risks, or visit the government's guidance on open water swimming.

Find out more about ticks.

Lots of people will be travelling abroad this year, and it’s important to ensure you stay safe and well before, during and after your holiday.

Before you travel

Before you travel, it is vital to ensure you are up to date with your UK vaccination schedule, both for your protection and for the benefit of the health of the those around you and any destination specific vaccinations to keep you safe whilst abroad.

Many countries have different diseases circulating and some of these could potentially be dangerous. It’s possible to pick up an illness that we don’t routinely see in the UK, and important to remember that some can have serious consequences for vulnerable people.

It is also important to check your destination before you travel and be prepared by staying up to date with the latest outbreaks and events.

During your travel

Whilst abroad, especially in more remote/rural places, be considerate of hand hygiene, your water supply, food safety, sun exposure, and your sexual health.

Be sure to pack condoms, suncream and hand sanitiser before you leave and where possible drink bottled water and wash your hands with soap and warm water after using the toilet and before eating.

Returning to the UK

When you return to the UK, if you feel unwell, seek medical attention and ensure you inform your healthcare provider that you have been travelling recently.

For more information and guidance on infectious diseases and top tips for people looking to travel this summer, read the UKHSA’s blog on staying well when travelling abroad this summer.

The sun is shining, the drinks are flowing and you’re ready for a hot summer…but first, make sure to look after your sexual health and wellbeing.

Making positive choices about contraception and sexual health is important not just for your physical health, but for your general wellbeing too.

The good news is that it’s free and easy to get tested.

There’s lots of ways you can get sexual health support this summer:

• Contraception: When it comes to contraception there are many choices, and it's so important to use what's right for you. You can check out all the different contraception methods and where to get them on the Let's Talk About It website.
• Emergency Contraception: If things don’t quite go to plan, you can take emergency contraception up to 3 day* after you’ve had unprotected sex – the sooner you take it, the more effective it will be. Visit your local pharmacy or GP.
• STI Testing: It’s quick, free and easy to get yourself tested this summer. STI testing kits, which test for HIV Syphilis, Chlamydia, Gonorrhoea, Hepatitis B and C, are available to order for free online via the Lets Talk About It website or you can make an appointment at your local sexual health clinic.

The NHS website has information and advice about sexual health, including contraception and STIs. 

Safe sex while abroad

Practicing safer sex whilst abroad will reduce the risk of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and HIV, as well as infections that spread through close personal contact such as mpox.

You can reduce your risk by using condoms and having an open conversation about HIV, STIs and mpox before any sexual contact, and avoid sharing items such as towels, clothing or bedding with someone who has mpox or mpox symptoms.

To find out more about how to look after your sexual health when travelling abroad, read the UKHSA’s blog on staying well when travelling abroad this summer.