By Brad Greer, CEO of DrySee
As things begin to warm up around the country, many seniors are looking to get together with friends and family members this summer. But while some seniors might think that they’re fine to get in coastal waters, lakes, or even swimming pools, they need to be taking extra precautions to ensure they stay safe this summer and avoid bacterial infections that can cause hospitalization or worse, and to be sure they don’t get injured. Here are a few tips to stay safe this summer while still enjoying water activities:
Wear proper footwear
Whether it’s a community pool, lake, ocean, or other body of water you plan on visiting, as a senior it’s important to wear the proper footwear that can make it easier for you to enter and exit the water. Shoes made for the water that have a rubberized, grippy sole will help you avoid slips and give you more confidence on your feet.
Know the signs of dehydration
Although you might be in a refreshing body of water, swimming is still an exercise that can make you become dehydrated. Knowing the signs of dehydration are important and essential to staying safe this summer. Those over the age of 55 become dehydrated much quicker because the body has less water composition. Dizziness, fatigue, headache, dry mouth, and more are common signs to be aware of, and could be your warning to get out and drink some clean water before something happens.
Cover up wounds, scratches, scrapes, and cuts
Check your body, or have a family member check, for any cuts, scrapes, blisters, or other damage to skin. Even if it’s small, it’s important to cover those with a waterproof bandage. Dangerous bacterial infections can enter even the smallest scrape or cut. DrySee waterproof bandages have a color-changing gauze that alerts you if the seal of the bandage is compromised so you can clean the wound and apply a new bandage, helping to limit exposure risks and making it easy to know if you’re protected without having to guess.
Check with your healthcare provider
While it may be surprising, many medications can make it more difficult for seniors to spend an extended period of time outside in the sun. Additionally, some seniors have vulnerable immune systems and avoiding untreated water may be necessary to their health. If you’re unsure, take a second to ask your healthcare provider if you have any specific precautions that think you need to keep an eye out for when enjoying water activities this summer. It’s better to be safe than sorry.
Use the buddy system
Whether your buddy is someone of the same age, a grandchild, or a child, don’t go swimming alone. If an issue does happen, you’re more likely to receive the help you need quickly.. This is especially important for seniors with dementia. Even if this doesn’t sound like the most appealing thing, remember that swimming with a buddy is not only keeping you safe, but can help you create great, new memories with them.