Vermont Department of Health Warm weather has arrived in Vermont, and the mountains are lush and green. Swimming, hiking, biking, grilling, sports and even outdoor projects are among the many Vermont summertime activities on our to-do lists! It is easy to prevent illness and injury while enjoying the outdoors if you follow some simple health and safety tips.
Sun Safety
Vermont has one of the highest rates of melanoma in the U.S. However, most skin cancers can be prevented. Follow these tips to be sun smart when playing and working outdoors:
- Apply a thick layer of broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher, even on cloudy days. Reapply sunscreen at least every two hours and after swimming, sweating, or toweling off.
- Seek shade, especially during midday hours. Umbrellas, trees, or other shelters can provide relief from the sun.
- Be extra careful around surfaces that reflect the sun’s rays, like sand, water, and concrete.
- Wear protective gear like a hat with a wide brim and sunglasses that block UVA and UVB rays to protect your face and eyes. Wear a long-sleeved shirt and pants or a long skirt for additional protection. If that’s not practical, try wearing a t-shirt or a beach cover-up.
- Skip the “base tan.” Indoor tanning and tanning outside are both dangerous. A tan indicates damage to your skin. Indoor tanning is designed to give you high levels of UV radiation in a short time.
Important Links
Free Sunscreen Dispensers
To make sun safety easier, you'll find free sunscreen dispensers in many Vermont State and local parks. Scroll down the list to find one near you.
| Town or City | County | Location | Year Started |
|---|---|---|---|
| Arlington | Bennington | Arlington Lion's Club Pavillion in Arlington Recreation Park | 2024 |
| Barre | Washington | Barre City Rotary Park - Municipal Swimming Pool | 2023 |
| Barre | Washington | Green Mountain Community Fitness | 2024 |
| Barton | Orleans | Barton Community Giving Garden | 2024 |
| Bradford | Orange | Elizabeth's Park | 2024 |
| Brattleboro | Windham | Retreat Farm - Farmhouse Square Entrance | 2023 |
| Brattleboro | Windham | Town of Brattleboro - Living Memorial Park | 2023 |
| Brattleboro | Windham | Winston Prouty Center for Child and Family Development | 2024 |
| Bristol | Addison | Town of Bristol Recreation Field | 2023 |
| Castleton | Rutland | Crystal Beach | 2023 |
| Town or City | County | Location | Year Started |
|---|---|---|---|
| Craftsbury | Orleans | Craftsbury Outdoor Center | 2024 |
| Enosburgh | Franklin | Enosburgh Public Library | 2024 |
| Grand Isle | Grand Isle | Camp Ta-Kum-Ta Pool | 2024 |
| Highgate | Franklin | Highgate Parks and Recreation Sports Arena | 2024 |
| Lyndonville | Caledonia | Powers Park | 2023 |
| Milton | Chittenden | Milton Family Park, Cathedral Sqare Elm Place | 2024 |
| Morristown | Lamoille | Lamoille Family Center | 2024 |
| Morrisville | Lamoille | Lamoille Integrated Services Center | 2024 |
| Newport | Orleans | City of Newport Prouty Beach Campground | 2024 |
| Newport | Orleans | North Country Hospital - The Wellness Center | 2024 |
| Town or City | County | Location | Year Started |
|---|---|---|---|
| North Bennington | Bennington | Lake Paran | 2023 |
| Rutland | Rutland | Rutland Town Northwood Pool | 2023 |
| Rutland | Rutland | City of Rutland White Memorial Park & Pool | 2023 |
| Springfield | Windsor | Edgar May Health and Recreation Center | 2024 |
| St. Albans | Franklin | St. Albans Drop-in Center, Spectrum Youth and Family Services | 2023 |
| St. Albans | Franklin | Hard'ack Recreation Area | 2023 |
| St. Albans | Franklin | St. Albans Town Bay Park | 2023 |
| Swanton | Franklin | Swanton Public Library | 2024 |
Learn More
Vermonters Taking Action Against Cancer
Summer Weather
We'll enjoy many days when the weather is delightful. You will also want to be prepared for days that bring extreme heat or storms. Dress and pack for potential changes in weather. Tell people where you are going and bring plenty of water.
Swim Safe
Here is some useful information about recreational water quality, swimming hole safety, how to prevent swimming-related illnesses, and what you need to know to identify and avoid potentially toxic cyanobacteria.
- Water Safety in Vermont
- Recreational Water
- Cyanobacteria
- Swimming-related illnesses
- Hot Weather and Health Impacts
- VT-Alert lets you sign up to get emergency alerts by email or phone notices
- National Weather Service at 802-862-8711 or visit www.weather.gov/btv
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You can learn about water safety with an American Red Cross class and find out about swim classes for your youngster.
Pests and Plants
Protect your comfort and health in the great outdoors by learning about a few pests and plants to watch out for.
Enjoy Your Summer Eats Safely
It's a great time for picnics and barbeques and food cooked over a camp stove. No one wants to get sick in the summer, and these guidelines can help ensure your feasts are safe to eat.