What has longer days, warmer temperatures, more outdoor sports activities — and more hazards? Summer, of course

Every summer, the number of people going to the emergency room spikes, hitting around 35 million. They're there for everything from dehydration and insect bites to pickleball and bike accidents.

To help you have more fun in the sun, here are four tips that can keep you safe:

1. Stay hydrated to avoid extreme thirst, dry mouth, dizziness, and fatigue. If your urine becomes darker than pale straw to dark yellow, you're down a quart. The smart move? Drink before you're thirsty, and stick with beverages free of sugar and artificial sweeteners.

2. Dodge bee, mosquito, and tick bites by using repellant with DEET (it's safe). Prefer alternatives? Try citronella with rosemary or picaridin, a synthetic version of a repellent found in pepper plants.

3. Sports-related injuries such as scrapes, sprains, fractures, and concussions are not entirely avoidable, but making sure you warm up, are well-hydrated before you start exercising, and have the right equipment (helmets, etc.) goes a long way to protecting you from injury. Supportive shoes are also important. Flip-flop falls and sandal spills are all too common, according to the Cleveland Clinic.

4. Pollen and mold allergies also can interfere with summer fun. Find an antihistamine that works for you. Take the medication before you get sneezy and drippy.

Now get out there (use a micronized zinc sunscreen with an SPF of 30) and have fun.