Christopher & Dana Reeve Foundation Stresses the Importance of Summer Safety with Tips and Summer Safety Checklist

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Jun 21, 2017, 12:50 ET

SHORT HILLS, N.J., June 21, 2017 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Sporting, recreational and motor vehicle accidents are the most common causes of spinal cord injury, affecting over 1.2 million Americans. Our Information Specialists (IS) at the Christopher & Dana Reeve Foundation are inundated with calls and emails from family members looking for resources and support due to the high number injuries that usually occur during the summer months.

In fact, over 40% of IS inquiries occur between May and September with many families reaching out for help because of a new injury.

Therefore, it is important to keep certain safety tips in mind when at the beach or pool, riding your bike or driving a car.

Before you dive in, make sure the depth of the water is nine feet or deeper. Even if the depth is acceptable for diving, there are other factors that can impede a safe dive. If there is no diving board or you have been consuming alcohol, do not dive into the pool. And of course, do not run around the pool deck, as it is slippery and can lead to a dangerous fall.

If you are exploring the open waters in a boat, make sure to stay a safe distance from other boats and follow the speed limit. Along with standard safety precautions, keep in mind that one should jump feet first off the boat rather than diving.

As for water sports and activities, always stay alert to what is going on around you. When body surfing, try to keep the board extended past your head.

A bike ride is the perfect way to get some exercise and relax, but it is important to wear a helmet when you ride. Your mother's old, cracked helmet is not suitable for proper protection. Always replace your helmet if you've had it for more than five years, and make sure it is level and fits snugly to your head.

Motor vehicle accidents contribute to more than 35% of spinal cord injuries in the United States, so it is vital to stay alert when driving and not let any distractions get in the way. Regardless of what your passengers are saying or what texts are popping up on your cell phone screen, you should not let either take your eyes or focus off the road. Also, make sure your seatbelt is on properly, along with the other passengers, who should all be in their appropriate size seat.

View our Summer Safety Checklist or call our Information Specialists team toll free at 1-800-539-7309 for more information.

About the Reeve Foundation:

The Christopher & Dana Reeve Foundation is dedicated to curing spinal cord injury by funding innovative research and improving the quality of life for people living with paralysis through grants, information and advocacy. The Paralysis Resource Center (PRC) is the support side of the Reeve Foundation's twin missions to provide "Today's Care" and to strive for "Tomorrow's Cure" and offers a free, comprehensive, national source of informational support for individuals living with paralysis and their caregivers. We meet all 20 of the Better Business Bureau's standards for charity accountability and hold the BBB's Charity Seal. For more information, please visit our website at www.ChristopherReeve.org or call 800-539-7309.

SOURCE Christopher & Dana Reeve Foundation