Apopka is a lush, green, adventure-filled landscape waiting for fun and exploration. From the natural springs and Tsala-Apopka chain of lakes, to the hiking and off-road bike trails, Apopka offers countless ways to enjoy your time outdoors. But you should always be prepared for the chance of accidents and injuries. In this blog we’ll explore some of the area’s great natural attractions and how to stay safe — and avoid a visit to the AdventHealth Apopka emergency department.
Tips and Tricks for Outdoor Activity Safety in Apopka
Water Safety
With 15 lakes in the Tsala-Apopka chain of lakes as well as Rock Springs and Wekiva Springs, there are plenty of opportunities for swimming, water sports, boating, fishing, canoeing, and kayaking. However, there are plenty of potential dangers associated with these activities, so it’s crucial to remember these important safety precautions:
- Watch for Alligators and Other Wildlife – Florida’s freshwaters, much like the rest of Florida, are teeming with life and not all of it’s friendly. Alligators, venomous snakes, and deadly amoebae are chief among the concerns to have when enjoying the freshwater.
- Boating, Canoeing, Kayaking, and Other Personal Watercraft Safety – There are plenty of fun ways to enjoy boating in Apopka but it’s important to remember these basic safety tips to avoid danger:
- Use the Buddy System – Always take a friend with you on any excursion you undertake on the water. If trouble arises, you’ll have someone to help you out and to call for help if needed.
- Have a Life Preserver Handy – Anytime you’re on a boat or other personal watercraft you should have a life vest or personal floatation device (PFD) on or at least close by in case you fall into the water.
- Watch for Changes in the Weather – Inclement weather can spring up at any time in Florida and with it can come dangerous wind conditions and a lot of lightning. If you see a storm rolling in, be sure to head back to shore until it passes. In most cases it should blow over in an hour or so, so take this time to have lunch or to take a break.
Hot Weather Safety
One of the main reasons people come to Florida is for the warm weather and the sunshine, but too much can be quite dangerous. Every year, hundreds of people are hospitalized due to heat-related injuries. Take the following precautions and you’ll be able to beat the Florida heat.
- Stay Hydrated – The number one reason people fall ill due to overheating is from not being properly hydrated. Always have water with you and be sure to drink enough and refill every chance you get.
- Wear Proper Clothing – Clothing made of light, natural fibers like cotton or linen are perfect for the Florida heat. Other great options are synthetic fabrics designed to wick away the moisture from your body, leaving you feeling cooler.
- Wear Sunscreen – The Florida sun can do incredible damage to your skin in a very short amount of time. Protect yourself by wearing a sunscreen with an SPF rating of 30 or higher and be sure to spread it on evenly.
- Symptoms of Heat Exhaustion and Heat Stroke
Watch for:
• Cool, moist skin
• Dark urine
• Dizziness, lightheadedness
• Headaches
• Nausea and vomiting
• Weakness
If symptoms worsen, seek medical attention immediately by calling 911 (or your local emergency number) right away. Worsening symptoms can include:
• Dry, hot, and red skin
• Extreme confusion
• Fever (temperature above 104 degrees)
• Irrational behavior
• Rapid, shallow breathing
• Rapid, weak pulse
• Seizures
• Unconsciousness
In Case of Emergency – AdventHealth Apopka Emergency Department is There
Even with every precaution taken, accidents still happen. When you least expect it, you need an experienced team you can trust. Our state-of-the-art urgent cares and emergency rooms feature board-certified physicians trained to provide medical treatments for adults and children.
Services Offered at the Apopka Emergency Department
- Dehydration/Heat Stroke
- Broken Bones
- Complicated Fractures
- Deep Wounds
- Extreme Difficulty Breathing
- Major Head Injury
- Poisoning
- Severe Allergic Reactions
- Severe Burns
- Suspected Heart Attack
- Suspected Stroke
- Vomiting or Coughing Up Blood
Our Emergency Room is also a designated stroke center, which means we serve as a primary destination for emergency medical technicians and paramedics who are transporting stroke patients. This designation assures that we always have highly trained ER staff on hand to administer the medical treatments you need. Plus, advanced tools and procedures designed specifically to treat strokes — when every second matters.
Our goal is to keep you out in the community — not the ER. But if you need us, we are always ready for you. To get in touch with AdventHealth Apopka, please give us a call at 407-609-7000.
