With summer weather well and truly upon us, a trip to the beach is a great way to cool off but the force of our oceans can never be underestimated.

Unfortunately, each year almost 100 people drown at our beaches and while surf lifesavers and lifeguards help protect the safety of beachgoers, there a few simple steps you can take to keep safe and make their job easier.

When you’re next at the beach, be sure to follow these five simple beach safety messages from Surf Life Saving:

1. Always swim between the red and yellow flags.
2. Read the safety signs.
3. Ask a lifesaver for safety advice.
4. Swim with a friend.
5. If you need help, stay calm and attract attention.

 For further information on Surf Life Saving and beach safety, click here.

UV stands for ultraviolet light, and is the source of harmful UV radiation that is caused by the sun.

The UV Index measures the amount of radiation coming from the sun at a particular place, at any given time. Delivered on a numerical scale, the index ranges from 0 (minimal risk of UV exposure) to 10 + (very high risk of UV exposure).

It’s very important to be mindful even if the sun is hidden by clouds, the UV radiation can still be high. You can use the UV Index to help you plan your activities around avoiding high-UV periods.

You might find the SunSmart iPhone app helpful. Linking in the National UV map, the SunSmart app has been developed to educate Australians when sun protection is needed the most, and can help you find out UV predictions. You can also use the app to read up on information about UV radiation and UV alerts.

You might find these SunSmart tips for sun protection useful.

Others (generally of the four-legged variety) might require some extra care, attention and special planning. Taking your pets on a camping trip can provide your animals with the chance to stretch their legs and experience life outside the family home. For pet owners, taking a pet along on a holiday can help to save money on pet-vacation accommodation, whilst providing the opportunity to spend time with pets in a different context.

Here are tips to follow when planning a camping trip with your pet:

•    Ensure that your pet’s vaccinations are up to date and that they are de-sexed if appropriate. It is likely that you’ll meet other animals whilst camping in communal areas, so it’s best to be prepared for socialising your pet with other animals. Talk to your vet for advice.
•    Research whether the camping area you are planning to visit is ‘pet friendly’. Are pets allowed in the area?
•    Pack a surplus of water for your pet, and ensure that its basket or sleeping area is not in full sun in the middle of the day.
•    Are you planning to drive a significant distance with your pet? Does your pet suffer from motion sickness? Talk to your vet for advice and ask for nausea remedies for pets.

Here are some tips for taking your dog on a camping trip.

A camping trip offers people the chance to mingle together under the stars in a wholesome outdoors setting, away from the distractions of everyday life (namely technology such as televisions and computers).

Plan some campfire entertainment to make the most of your time spent with fellow campers. You might find these simple entertainment ideas handy:

•    Create your own handmade bush instruments. A lagerphone or monkey stick can be made by hammering bottletops into a solid piece of wood.
•    Campfire games such as Chinese whispers can provide a fun way to connect with fellow campers. Charades is another fun option.
•    Try star-gazing. Swap tales and search for constellations whilst gazing skywards. You might need to move away from the glare of the fire to view the stars clearly.

Prepare for your next camping trip in Queensland by researching more about Queensland’s parks and forests here.

For those who are seeking a more left-of-centre experience, orienteering might be an exciting and challenging alternative to traditional forms of exercise.

Whilst it may not involve the more common elements of sporting activities, orienteering is a helpful way to improve fitness, whilst experiencing social interaction and also exercising the mind.

Orienteering tests your map-reading ability, compass skills and navigational skills, as you make your way through an unfamiliar course, by searching for a series of markers.

A good place to start is to try your hand at a permanent course. Various major parks in Queensland offer permanently set-up orienteering courses. You could try City Botanic Gardens, Mt Coot-tha Botanic Gardens or the South Bank Parklands. Make enquiries directly with Orienteering Queensland to find out more details about the state’s permanent courses.

Beginners might find it best to tackle orienteering on foot (before attempting mountain biking or skiing courses).

You can read a more detailed explanation of orienteering (and watch an introductory video) by clicking here.

When you’re planning a mountain-biking outing, consider these local Queensland locations:
•    The Noosa Trail Network travels through the Sunshine Coast hinterland. These trails are recommended for experienced riders.
•    Mount Beerwah and surrounding spots in the Glass House Mountains offer numerous hidden tracks. Talk to local mountain-biking clubs for tips and directions for riding in this area.
•    Southern suburbs of Brisbane are home to several popular mountain-biking spots, including tracks at Daisy Hill and Priestdale.
•    Brookfield in western Brisbane is dotted with popular routes, including tracks along Gap Creek Road.

Remember, whenever you embark on a mountain-biking excursion, always tell someone where you are planning to ride, carry adequate first-aid gear, ride on designated riding tracks and ride with a friend.

Mountain Bike Australia offers a list of Queensland mountain-biking clubs here.

An accessible way of experiencing the rush of motor sports and high-speed driving, go-karting provides the thrill of racing in a safe and controlled environment.

Planning a go-karting outing can be a great way to experience something different in a social setting. You might consider booking a go-karting trip for a family member’s birthday.

Go-karting involves racing a low-set car (which is designed to be simple to drive using an accelerator and brake, without manual gears) around a circuit.

Many go-karting tracks accommodate children, with specially designed karts and tracks for younger drivers.

For professional race-car drivers, karting is often a starting point when developing driving skills. Amateur drivers can also embrace the thrill of go-karting, whether it’s on a competitive level or socially.

Visit the Kingston Park Raceway website for more information about go-karting in the Brisbane area. Learn more about go-karting on the Australian Karting Association website.

Generally, the key to a successful fly-fishing expedition is to rely on experience and confidence. Fishing alongside an experienced angler will hopefully put you a few steps ahead. Keep a keen eye on how your companion manipulates the fly darting across the water, and take note of successful catches.

Fly fishing involves using an artificial, life-like and often colourful ‘fly’ or lure to catch a fish’s attention. Specially crafted fly rods and reels are designed for anglers to manipulate a type of special line, making the little lure ‘dance’ across the surface of the water to the entice the fish to bite.

Before investing in your own fly-fishing gear, try out a friend’s fly rods and reels to get a hand on the techniques and find out what gear you feel most comfortable using. Bass, bream, saratoga and trevally are among sought-after catches for fly fishers.

You can browse fly patterns (used to hand-make artificial flies) here. You can also purchase artificial flies from your local tackle store. Visit the SEQ Flyfishers website to find out more about fly fishing in your local area.

To make your next camping trip as environmentally friendly as possible, try the following ideas:

• Try to borrow camping equipment rather than buying it, especially if camping isn’t something you do regularly.
• When investing in new camping equipment, investigate eco-friendly tents made from sustainable and renewable sources such as recycled plastic bottles and bamboo.
• Where possible, try to avoid using disposable plates and cutlery.
• To help preserve the natural environment, take biodegradable soap and dishwashing liquid with you.
• Rather than using fly spray and insect repellents, take citronella candles along for the trip instead. The natural essential oil will help repel insects and won’t interfere with local ecosystems.
• Check for any fire restrictions before burning a campfire in the area.
• When collecting firewood, only use wood that has already fallen from trees.
• Opt for LED lights over traditional battery-powered lights.
• Keep your tent zipped up at all times to prevent curious animals from trying to eat items that could be harmful to their health.

Click here for some eco-friendly camping destination ideas.

The name of the specific bacteria responsible for tetanus is Clostridium tetani, a form of bacteria that is found in soil, manure (high levels are often found in horse manure) and dust.

Tetanus can be contracted when the bacteria comes into contact with an open wound in the skin. The open wound provides the bacteria with an opportunity to enter into the body.

The toxins within the bacteria affect the nervous system. Symptoms of tetanus commonly begin to appear within 3–14 days of coming into contact with the bacteria. These include swallowing difficulties, abnormal heart rhythms and difficulty opening the mouth. When these symptoms begin to occur, contact a doctor immediately.

To prevent contracting tetanus, wear gloves whilst gardening, cover any wounds when spending time outdoors and ensure your immunisations are up to date.

Click here for more information.