Ready For Recreation
- Christy Phillips
- 7 minutes ago
- 6 min read
Sunday, June 21st marked the beginning of Summer (YAY). School is officially out and the water has been getting warmer every day. This means that it is officially the season for outdoor recreation.
Time spent outside offers a wonderful opportunity to create connections to our natural environment, but it also increases our exposure to some personal and environmental risks. This blog post focuses on some summer safety suggestions so you can be ready for recreation. Can you tell that I appreciate good alliteration?Â
Weather Wary
The weather has become my fickle friend. It seems that every weekend since May, has come with a forecast of rain, and I’ve been scheduling my chores and activities around it. Yet Sunday arrives, and while I’m elbows-deep in cleaning my kitchen on what was supposed to be a rainy, chilly day, the sun ends up shining bright. Other times, I plan a beach trip and it pours - even though my weather app confidently promised a 0% chance of rain. As climate change continues to influence our weather, we're experiencing more extreme temperatures, stronger storms, and greater day-to-day variability.
Even the weather man gets caught in the rain sometimes, so here are some tips about navigating the weather this summer;Â
Check the forecast - even if its not always accurate, it can give you an idea of what to expect
Be prepared to adjust plans if severe weather is expected or apparentÂ
Keep supplies available
Have an emergency kit in your carÂ
Carry a small umbrellaÂ
Seek shelter when thunder or lightning is present
During a storm with lightning, stay away from water, metal objects, electrical equipment, and isolated tall trees
After storms pass, avoid flooded areas and downed power linesÂ
Insect-borne Illness
I don't know about you, but the smell of bug spray immediately brings me back to summertime in the 2010’s - when I was camping with my girl scout troop or tromping around river banks at summer camp.
Unfortunately, insect bites are more than just an annoyance - they can be a health hazard. Luckily in Maine we really only need to worry about Ticks, Mosquitos, and Brown Tailed Moths.Â
While mosquito-borne illnesses remain relatively uncommon in Maine, mosquitoes can carry a variety of diseases. Learn more about what viruses mosquitos carry in Maine through this link.Â
If it feels like ticks are everywhere these days, you're not imagining it. Warmer winters associated with climate change have improved tick survival rates, contributing to growing tick populations throughout Maine.
Ticks can spread a variety of diseases. Learn more about what they are and their prevalence through this link.Â
Tick Removal
If you find an attached tick:
Use fine-tipped tweezers to remove it
Grasp the tick as close to the skin as possible
Pull upward with steady, even pressure
Avoid twisting, crushing, or squeezing the tick's body
Clean the area thoroughly afterward and monitor for signs of illness
Preventing Bug Bites
Fortunately there are quite a few things you can do this summer to protect yourself and loved ones from these blood thirsty creatures;Â
In brushy or forested areas, wear long sleeves and pants when possible
Avoid outdoor activity during dawn and dusk, as this is when mosquitoes are most active
Check yourself, children, and pets for ticks after spending time in wooded or brushy areas
Pay particular attention to hairlines, behind the knees, underarms, waistbands, and other warm, hidden areas
Bugs are attracted to the way you smell. Contrary to popular belief, insect repellent does not kill the insect, rather it masks your natural smell. Popular synthetic repellents are DEET, picaridin, and IR3535.Â
If you prefer to avoid synthetic products - repellents containing citronella, cedarwood, peppermint, or geranium oils can also provide protection. Personally, I've used Nantucket Spider Extra Strength Tick Repellent Spray for several years and have had great success with it. Another Maine-based option worth exploring is Fresh Pickins Bug & Tick Spray.
Beyond repellent, it is also worth considering the scents in your personal care products. Mosquitoes can be attracted to heavily scented soaps, lotions, perfumes, and body sprays - particularly sweet or floral fragrances. During the summer months, consider choosing more lightly scented products or those containing essential oils such as lavender, cedarwood, or peppermint.Â
Heat, Hydration, and Sun Safety
One of my favorite parts of summer is the longer days. Sunlight boosts vitamin D in the body. Although humans cannot photosynthesize, we do synthesise Vitamin D when we are in the sun. Vitamin D acts as a hormone in our bodies and helps regulate calcium and phosphorus absorption - which keep our bones, muscles, nerves, and immune system functioning properly. Â
Sunlight also helps with the body's circadian rhythm, as it is a primary environmental cue for the body to inhibit the production of melatonin. Getting sunlight exposure in the morning is like resetting your internal alarm clock. Sunlight also cues our brains to produce serotonin, a hormone that plays a vital part in regulating our moods.Â
As much as I love sunshine, too much of a good thing can still cause problems. Longer days often mean more time outdoors, which increases our risk of dehydration, heat-related illness, and sun damage.
Whether you're hiking local trails or spending the day at the beach:
Drink water regularly throughout the day
If plain water isn't your favorite, try adding a splash of juice. It's one of my favorite ways to make water a little more interesting and encourage myself to stay hydrated
Avoid prolonged outdoor activity during the hottest part of the afternoon (3:00pm-6:00pm)
Wear lightweight, loose-fitting, light-colored clothing
Hotter days means our bodies are producing more sweat. Did you know that by the time you feel thirsty, you're already dehydrated?
Sunscreen Choices Matter
The most effective form of sun protection is creating a physical barrier between your skin and the sun. This can be achieved through hats, protective clothing, and seeking shade. When those options are not practical or sufficient, sunscreen serves as an important tool for reducing your skin's exposure to harmful UV rays.
When choosing sunscreen, pay attention to the active ingredients. Zinc oxide and titanium dioxide provide broad-spectrum protection and are generally considered the least likely to be absorbed into the skin. They are also often recommended as more environmentally conscious options when swimming in lakes, rivers, and coastal waters.
Water Safety
When I was younger, my mother would mark the changing of the seasons and available recreation by what the trees were doing. I was taught that I could not go swimming until the leaves were big on the trees. Now that I am an adult and I am free to make questionable choices and I have been known to go swimming before the leaves are on the trees and after they have all fallen off….
However it is safe to say that the leaves are finally big on the trees. Maine's lakes, rivers, and coastline offer countless recreation opportunities, but water conditions can change quickly.
Before entering the water:
Know your swimming ability
Check weather and water conditions -Maine Healthy Beaches Portal offers up-to-date information about water quality and conditions
Be aware of tides, currents, and cold-water risks
Whenever possible:
Swim with a buddy
Closely supervise children near water
Wear life jackets when boating or participating in water sports
If someone is in trouble:
Call 911 or alert a lifeguard
Throw or reach with an object whenever possible
Only enter the water to attempt a rescue if you are properly trained
Campfire Caution and Environmental Stewardship
Is it really a camping trip if there isn't a fire pit? I have fond memories of late summer camping trips with my extended family - particularly the annual tradition of chasing my cousins around with a flaming marshmallow on a stick.Â
While flaming marshmallows may not qualify as a recommended safety practice, there are several habits that can help keep everyone safe.
Campfire Safety Tips
Keep fires small and manageable
Never leave a fire unattended
Maintain at least a 10-foot clearance of flammable materials
Keep a bucket of water nearby
When you're finished, make 'ash soup':
Pour water over the fire
Stir the ashes thoroughly
Continue adding water until everything is cool to the touch.
If you can't comfortably place your hand on the ashes, the fire is not fully extinguished.
Burn It Where You Buy It
The Sustainability office recently held a Riverfront Ramble. This informational walk was led by state horticulturalist Gary Fish. Gary informed us that one of the biggest contributors to the loss of Ash trees in Maine is due to the Emerald Ash Borer. One of the primary ways invasive pests such as the Emerald Ash Borer is spread is through transported firewood.
To help protect Maine's forests:
Avoid moving firewood long distances (10 miles maximum)
Purchase wood at campgrounds whenever possible
Explore Local Trails
Looking for your next outdoor adventure?
Yarmouth Community Services maintains an interactive map which highlights local trails and open spaces throughout town. It's a great resource for discovering new places to walk, hike, and explore close to home.
Summer in Maine offers endless opportunities to get outside and enjoy nature - there is a reason it's been called Vacationland since 1936. By taking a few simple precautions, and making environmentally mindful choices along the way, we can help ensure a safe, healthy, and enjoyable season for everyone.
Image found throughout this article were either captured by Christy Phillips or sourced from The Library of Congress.