Summer Outdoor Safety: Protecting Yourself from Water Emergencies and Snake Bites 

Summer in the Brazos Valley is made for adventure. Whether you’re hiking local trails, camping with family, fishing at the lake, or spending weekends on the river, getting outdoors is one of the best parts of the season. 

As this Summer Injury Prevention Campaign comes to a close, the Brazos Valley Regional Advisory Council (BVRAC) wants to remind residents that enjoying the outdoors safely starts with preparation. Many emergencies, including water-related incidents and snake bites, can be prevented by staying aware of your surroundings and developing simple safety habits. 

By planning ahead and knowing what to do in an emergency, you can help protect yourself, your family, and others all summer long. 

Plan Before You Go

Every outdoor adventure should begin with a plan. 

Before leaving home: 

• Check the weather forecast. 
• Tell someone where you’re going and when you expect to return. 
• Make sure your phone is fully charged. 
• Bring plenty of drinking water. 
• Wear appropriate clothing and footwear for the environment. 

A few minutes of preparation can make a significant difference if conditions change unexpectedly. 

Stay Safe While Camping and Hiking

Texas parks, trails, and campgrounds offer incredible opportunities to explore nature, but they also come with unique hazards. 

When hiking: 

• Stay on marked trails whenever possible. 
• Watch where you step, especially around rocks, logs, and tall grass. 
• Avoid reaching into brush piles or under rocks where wildlife may be hiding. 
• Wear closed-toe shoes or hiking boots. 
• Use a flashlight if walking after dark. 

When camping: 

• Keep campsites clean and free of food scraps that may attract wildlife. 
• Shake out shoes, sleeping bags, and clothing before using them. 
• Store food properly. 
• Be aware of changing weather conditions that could increase flash flood risks near rivers and creeks. 

Staying alert to your surroundings is one of the best ways to prevent injuries. 

Water Safety Doesn’t End at the Pool

Natural bodies of water can change quickly and present hazards that aren’t found in swimming pools. 

If you’re visiting lakes, rivers, or the coast: 

• Wear a U.S. Coast Guard-approved life jacket while boating or participating in water sports. 
• Never swim alone. 
• Keep children within arm’s reach around water. 
• Avoid alcohol while boating or supervising swimmers. 
• Pay attention to warning signs, weather conditions, and water currents. 

Remember, even experienced swimmers can encounter unexpected dangers in open water. 

Be Aware of Snakes and Other Wildlife

Most snakes in Texas are harmless and prefer to avoid people. However, it’s important to stay alert when spending time outdoors. 

Reduce your risk by: 

• Watching where you place your hands and feet. 
• Wearing boots when walking through tall grass or wooded areas. 
• Keeping a safe distance from any snake you encounter. 
• Never attempting to handle or kill a snake. 

If you are bitten by a snake, seek emergency medical care immediately and avoid outdated first-aid methods such as cutting the bite, applying a tourniquet, or trying to suck out the venom. 

Pack an Emergency Kit

Whether you’re heading out for a few hours or an entire weekend, carrying a basic emergency kit can help you respond quickly if something goes wrong. 

Consider including: 

• First aid supplies 
• Bottled water 
• Flashlight with extra batteries 
• Cell phone and portable charger 
• Emergency blanket 
• Sunscreen 
• Insect repellent 
• Whistle 
• Basic medications 
• Emergency contact information 

Having these essentials readily available can make emergencies easier to manage until help arrives.  

Prevention Habits That Save Lives

The best emergency is the one that never happens. 

Simple habits can dramatically reduce the risk of injury: 

• Plan ahead before every outing. 
• Stay aware of changing weather conditions. 
• Wear life jackets around open water. 
• Actively supervise children. 
• Stay on marked trails. 
• Respect wildlife and give snakes plenty of space. 
• Learn CPR and basic first aid. 
• Keep emergency supplies with you. 
• Know when to call 911. 

These small actions may seem simple, but together they create a safer outdoor experience for everyone. 

Thank You for Joining BVRAC’s Summer Injury Prevention Campaign

As we wrap up this year’s Summer Injury Prevention Campaign, BVRAC would like to thank everyone who followed along and helped share these important safety messages throughout the Brazos Valley. 

From drowning prevention and water safety to snakebite awareness and outdoor preparedness, each topic shared one common goal: preventing injuries before they happen. 

Safety doesn’t end when summer does. By practicing what you’ve learned and sharing these tips with family, friends, and neighbors, you can help build a safer, healthier community year-round. 

The Brazos Valley Regional Advisory Council (BVRAC) remains committed to promoting injury prevention, emergency preparedness, and public education across our region. 

Have a safe, healthy, and enjoyable rest of your summer, and remember, prevention is always the best protection.