Summer is here, and millions of Americans are ready to hit the beaches, pools, parks, concerts and other attractions. Spending time in busy public places increases the likelihood that germs will spread.

To improve your chances of staying healthy on your adventures this summer, here are some helpful tips for some of the most popular summertime destinations and activities.

Amusement and Theme Parks

Amusement parks, carnivals, theme parks, fairs and the like can be great fun, but they can also be a great place to inadvertently pick up a nasty bug.

Many common illnesses can be picked up by touching a contaminated surface and then unconsciously touching your mouth, nose or eyes. Parks are full of places where germs can be deposited and passed along.

  • Try not to touch your face. You can’t always avoid touching handrails, harnesses on rides and other surfaces, but try as much as possible to avoid touching your face.
  • Eat, drink, rest. Our immune systems function better when we’re rested and hydrated. When you’re feeling tired, take a break from rides and running around, drink plenty of water and bring healthy snacks to counter the sluggish effects of less nutritious amusement-park fare.
  • Wash your hands often! Take every opportunity to wash your hands with soap and water, particularly before and after eating and after using the restroom. When no sinks are available, use tough-acting Germ-X® hand sanitizers or Germ-X® Advanced hand sanitizer wipes and gel packs.

Pools, Water Parks and Beaches

There’s nothing like jumping into a pool or splashing around in a water park on a hot summer day. But even if that water looks crystal-clear, chances are it isn’t 100% clean.

In one survey, 51% of respondents said they didn’t usually shower or wash before getting into a pool (hello, dirt, sweat and skin oils!), and 40% admitted they pee in the pool. This means a single swimmer can introduce billions of bacteria in a communal pool.

How do we keep the pool safe for ourselves and others?

  • Lead by example. Most pools have showers or a place to hose down after visiting the pool. Why not spray yourselves off before you dive in? Also: avoid taking the plunge if you’ve had diarrhea any time in the previous two weeks to prevent spreading a gastrointestinal bug. (This may sound obvious, but 25% of people in one survey said they’d swim within one hour of a bout of diarrhea.)
  • Don’t swallow the water. It’s hard to avoid taking in some water when you’re swimming. Studies have shown that the average adult ingests about a tablespoon of water in 45 minutes of swimming — more than enough to lead to illness. Try to avoid it as much as possible and use nose-plugs and goggles if you can. Teach your kids not to drink water in pools, parks or local swimming holes.
  • Take a break every hour to clean up. The CDC recommends that you and your party jump out of the water every hour or so to clean up, check infant swim diapers, take a bathroom break, and have a snack and some water. Remember to wash your hands with soap and water after using the bathroom and before eating and drinking.

Concerts, Tourist Spots and Other Crowded Places

We’ve all learned a lot about staying safe in crowded places in recent months. There’s no reason we can’t take the lessons of 2020 into the future.

When you find yourself in a crowded spot, like a concert or a sightseeing hotspot, try to stay aware of those around you and avoid people who are coughing, sneezing or showing other signs of illness.

Be aware of where you’re putting your hands and try not to touch your face.

Wash your hands with soap and water whenever possible. When no facilities are available, you can count on Germ-X® hand sanitizers to help you enjoy your summer fun!

More About Germ-X Products

Germ-X® hand sanitizers have been the trusted choice for healthy summertime fun since 1997. Germ-X® hand sanitizer works so well that it topped the list of the 10 best hand sanitizers meeting CDC guidance. Entire families choose the Germ-X® brand as their go-to hand sanitizer because it is both effective and gentle.

In addition to most formulas being made in the USA, Germ-X® products are of high quality, using 100% USP-grade ethyl alcohol in our hand sanitizer formula.