STAY SAFE & HEALTHY THIS SUMMER
The Florida Department of Health in Martin County (DOH-Martin) offers some tips to keep residents and visitors safe and healthy this summer.
Drowning Prevention
Children, teens, and adults should never swim alone. Always use the buddy system when swimming in open water or in a pool. Someone watching from the shore or poolside who knows where swimmers are at all times is an important layer of protection.
- If you plan to head to the beach, know before you go: call the Martin County Beach Information Hotline: 772-320-3112 for updates before you leave home.
- Swim at guarded beaches and pay attention to safety flags that alert swimmers to dangerous conditions, such as rip tides.
- Open cuts or wounds should not be immersed in water. If there’s bacteria in the water, they can enter the body through a cut or wound.
- A cut or wound that happens when swimming, wading or boating should be washed with clean water and soap, and covered with a clean, dry waterproof bandage.
Florida’s Waters are Natural Place
All of Florida’s natural waters are home to aquatic life, land animals and plants that should not be approached or touched by people. Swimmers, waders and boaters should stay away from red tides and algal blooms like blue green algae (cyanobacteria). Both can cause skin irritation, burning eyes, and throat and breathing irritations.
- People and pets should avoid contact with blue green algae.
The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission posts the status of red tide locations and the Florida Department of Environmental Protection monitors blue green algae. DOH-Martin conducts beach and river water sampling for enteric bacteria at several locations throughout the county.
Sun Protection & Heat
Have fun in the sun but keep your skin safe from skin cancer.
- Apply sunscreen often. Use sunglasses and hats for added protection
High heat can lead to heat exhaustion which causes headaches, dizziness, weakness, confusion, upset stomach and vomiting. Heat exhaustion can lead to heat stroke, which is the most serious form of heat injury.
- Dress for the heat with lightweight, loose-fitting clothing and drink plenty of water
Fight the Bite!
Wearing lightweight clothing that covers arms and legs, as well as mosquito repellent, can keep bites to a minimum. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency keeps a current listing of safe and reliable repellents. For best results, follow all label directions.
- Drain standing water in containers around your home to prevent mosquitoes from breeding
- For mosquito breeding concerns, call Martin County Mosquito Control: 772-419-6974.
Food Safety Tips for the Outdoors
Bacteria multiply rapidly in warmer temperatures, so keep cold food cold and hot food hot.
- Raw meat and ready-to-eat food should be kept in separate insulated and chilled coolers (kept at 41° F or below).
- Use a food thermometer to ensure meat is cooked enough to kill harmful germs. The CDC’s “Get Ready to Grill Safely” is a helpful checklist for keeping food transport and preparation safe.
- Refrigerate leftovers within two hours of cooking. When in doubt, throw it out!
Remember Good Hygiene
Good hand washing is essential to good health.
- Be sure to wash your hands before eating or preparing food, after using the bathroom, changing a diaper, coughing, sneezing, or playing with pet.
