Be Sun Smart

If you're out working, walking, partying or doing sports in sunny weather, it's easy to forget that you need to take care to avoid heat exhaustion, sunstroke, and sunburn. If you're going to be out in the sun:

• Drink plenty of water (not sweet drinks)
• Cover up your head and shoulders
• Take regular breaks, in the shade

Children and young people who get sunburned regularly have an increased risk of skin cancer. It's the most common cancer in the UK. Make sure you're protecting yourself by avoiding sunburn:

• Stay in the shade during the hottest part of the day (11am-3pm)
• Cover up with shirts, hats, shades
• Use factor 15+ sunscreen

Respect the Rivers

Oxfordshire is a county full of rivers, and they're great fun to hang out by at any time of year. Footpaths, towpaths and bridleways all run alongside Oxford's rivers and canals and are used every day of the year by people commuting, fishing, or just having fun.

But to enjoy rivers and canals safely, you need to take care:

• Cold water can kill. Don't go into the water in winter or bad weather.
• Don't cycle or walk along flooded towpaths, or through flooded meadows.
• Only go swimming in traditional bathing areas, and only swim in good weather.

For people wading or jumping into rivers sudden changes of depth, murky water and fast currents are serious risks. You're also at risk of injury from unseen objects under the water, infection by dirty water, and becoming chilled (even on a warm day).

Here are some links to places in Oxfordshire where messing around on rivers is what it's all about:

• Riverside Centre, Oxford
• River and Rowing Museum, Henley
• Rose Hill Youth Centre, Oxford (has a fishing club)

Cold and wet? Sort it out!

Even in summer, getting cold and wet can leave you in lots of trouble, especially if you're out overnight or in bad weather. If you're out working, walking, partying or doing sports in bad weather, it's important not to get too chilled. Keep yourself warm:

• Cover up after sports or work
• Change out of wet clothes where possible, or pile on more layers
• Keep your feet dry and your head covered

Sometimes your body is less able to deal with the stress of being cold, and getting cold can be very dangerous. Getting warm and dry is very important if:

• You are ill or very tired
• You have been drinking or taking drugs
• You have been cold for a long time