Outdoor enthusiasts typically cannot wait to get outside and make the most of a beautiful day and it’s important for outdoor enthusiasts to take safety seriously. In addition to packing sunscreen and water, outdoor enthusiasts can employ various safety methods depending on the activity they choose to enjoy.
Cycling
Cyclists must always be on alert when sharing the road. While many motorists respect cyclists, some see cyclists as a nuisance, and such motorists 
may drive recklessly around cyclists. It is important for cyclists to follow these:
- Stay as attentive as possible. Cyclists are oftentimes at the mercy of motorists.
- Never listen to an MP3 player or other music players while riding. It distracts your attention.
- Always wear a helmet and reflective clothing making it easy for motorists to see you.
- Obey the traffic laws and always ride with traffic.
- Inspect you bicycle and address any mechanical issues before each ride
Hiking
Never hike on poorly developed trails or trails that are too difficult to handle, and hikers should have a basic understanding of the symptoms of altitude sickness. Always share your route with friends or family members before embarking on a hiking trip should you get lost or injured and need a rescue team to find you. Hikers should also pack the following supplies before hitting the trails:
- Compass
- Flashlight and extra batteries
- Whistle and signal mirror
- Map of the park that includes the trails you plan to hike
- Waterproof matches
- First aid kit
- Blanket
Water sports
Water attracts the sun, so it’s imperative to take steps to protect your skin. Wear appropriate clothing and apply sunscreen with a minimum sun protection. Never take to the water after you have consumed alcohol, as it can make you less likely to recognize a dangerous situation. On entering the water, always enter feet first and try to avoid swimming alone. When you employ the buddy system while swimming, you are ensuring there is someone there to help you should you begin to struggle or to alert lifeguards or other safety personnel. If you to plan to be on a boat, let someone staying behind on land know where you plan to be so they can share this information with authorities if your boat has problems or you don’t return on time. Always wear a flotation device and make sure the boat is not running as you board and dismount.
In the unfortunate instance minor outdoor injuries do occur, Piedmont HealthCare’s Express Care is able to see patients quickly and get you and your loved ones back outside to enjoy your day.
