Staying Safe Through the Summer

What is the most common answer received when asking someone’s favourite season? If you answered summer, you’d be correct. Summertime is the season for which many spend the first half of the year waiting, and once it’s over, spend the second half missing. The warmer weather and longer, brighter days bring a renewed sense of energy and time for vacationing, socializing, and crossing items from bucket lists. However, along with its pleasures, summer carries certain dangers which range beyond the obvious such as sunburn and insect bites. Dehydration, some drug-enhanced heat exhaustion, and increased substance use in summer partying are dangers to be aware of for a safe summer season.These are things we can collectively look out for and below we will discuss some of the precautions that can be taken. 

Many appreciate summer’s weather and enjoy spending time outside, letting the sun bronze their skin and soaking up the vitamin D Canadians seldom get. We don’t mean to spoil your summertime joy, but it’s important to remember that summer also has less desirable things to prepare for. Some things to look out for are sunburns, heat-related illnesses, and dehydration. Depending on your circumstances, you may be more susceptible to these things than the average person. For example, did you know certain medications can make people more prone to heat-related illness? These include diuretics, beta-blockers, anticholinergics, and antipsychotics. The medications mentioned tend to have temperature regulation effects which can inhibit sweating, reduce heat elimination from the body, and cause dehydration. In cooler seasons, this would not often be significant, but when combined with the high temperatures in summer, the effects can severely impair the heat loss mechanisms your body has, leading to heatstroke. Awareness of safety measures such as how your medications interact with the heat helps you to take control of your summer without any unwanted heat stroke or dehydration slowing you down.

Summer is known as “festival season,” with outdoor events such as raves and concerts taking place. These types of events are all about having fun and letting loose. They also bring a sense of community that is special and noteworthy. While getting lost in the magic of a concert or rave is easy, it’s important to remember that safety and respect should always come first. Whether you’re a festival season veteran or attending your first event, it’s crucial to know how to stay safe and be responsible to those around you. There have been a number of toxic drug overdoses concerning these events. In 2013, two young people died at New York’s Electric Zoo music festival after using ecstasy, and at least four others were hospitalized. In 2014, as many as five deaths at Canadian summer music festivals may have been caused by common party drugs. Drugs are a common part of rave culture and the concert scene, but you should be thoughtful about the risks and potential consequences if you choose to partake. Following guidelines such as consuming only drugs you’ve adequately tested can save your life. Below are a few tips for having a safe and mindful festival season. 

• Test your drugs. You can use the Services Near Me function on the LifeguardConnect™ app to locate drug testing facilities near you. Drug testing can identify any toxic contaminants as well as verify potency to avoid an accidental overdose. With the new app update, resources have been organized into groups within their own page, making navigation easier. Click on the group you need and select any resource (such as drug testing) to access it quickly and efficiently.
• Ensure you have safety measures if you are planning to use drugs. Carry Naloxone for yourself or others, and be aware of the laws around substance use where you are located. With LifeguardConnect™ drug alerts, you can be mindful of toxic drugs circulating in your community.
• Look out for your loved ones. Keep an eye on your friend’s drinks, use the buddy system, educate yourself about the signs of an overdose, and learn how to use Naloxone. On the LifeguardConnect™ resource page, there are detailed guides on these topics and others related to this.
• Do not take any substances from strangers without testing them first. Avoid leaving any event alone or with strangers and be cautious of your surroundings. If you feel unsafe or uncomfortable at any point during the night, seek assistance from event staff or security.

With the summer season, a unique opportunity arises for individuals to not plan activities because enjoying the weather is an activity on its own. Some prefer a glass of wine, some choose cannabis, and others reach for harder substances, whether alone or with friends, to add some excitement or relaxation. Illuminating research shows people are more inclined to try drugs in the summer months, especially for the first time. This is primarily due to students being on break and warm weather encouraging social gatherings. The phenomenon of individuals using drugs more commonly in the summer for the first time ties in with everything we’ve spoken about. Joseph J. Palamar, MPH, PhD, an associate professor in the Department of Population Health at NYU School of Medicine who studied this, says, “First-time users may be unfamiliar with the effects of various drugs.” This means they may not adequately prepare by being properly hydrated, rested, and fed. Potential drug users need to become educated about the drugs they are going to use, their side effects, and how to sufficiently prepare to avoid potentially lethal outcomes. Parents and adults in a position of authority for young people should be educating and warning year-round about possible risks associated with drug use and toxic drugs. “Special emphasis appears to be needed before or during summer months when rates of initiation increase,” says Dr. Palmer, who is also a researcher in the Center for Drug Use and HIV/HCV Research at NYU College of Global Public Health. The LifeguardConnect™ app was created so you never have to use a substance alone again, and it could be lifesaving in these situations. A first-time user may not know the potency of what they’re taking or may have neglected to have their drugs tested. If they’re using alone, this could lead to a terrible outcome.

Summer is a magical time for any age. A warm night laughing with friends feels like a movie, and relaxing at the beach feels like a hug you didn’t know you needed. We want you to make the most of your summer this year and by following some of these guidelines, you can do just that, but safely and thoughtfully for yourself and your loved ones. If you participate in any outdoor events this year or are out in the sun with friends, we hope you take the time to properly prepare so you can have the best time possible. Downloading LifeguardConnect™ can help you make informed choices to protect yourself. Take the reins to your safety with customized toxic drug alerts to your location, direct connection to health authorities, and educational resources that could save someone’s life, or your own. Be safe and enjoy the summertime magic.