6 Accidents to Expect at Your Summer Parties—and How to Avoid Them

Summer is prime time for entertaining—impromptu pool parties, backyard cookouts, holiday celebrations, and more give people a handful of reasons to gather during the warm weather season. "However, with all the happy chaos, little accidents are bound to occur," explains Kristine Cooke, event planner and owner of Simply Charming Socials.

Kids trip and fall during games, sparklers put you and your guests at risk for burns, and there's usually a handful of spills and stains to clean up throughout the day. But knowing how to prevent and handle these situations will keep you and other partygoers safe during all of your summer get-togethers.

Food and Drink Spills

At any event with food and beverages, spills are likely to happen, which can lead to stains on tablecloths, outdoor furniture, rugs, and more.

How to Prevent Spills

Joe Moller, owner of Joe Moller Events, says to opt for reusable servingware, which is often more heavy duty than single-use paper products. Not only does Moller note that they're washable and more environmentally friendly, but their durableness will also prevent food from falling off full plates or cups toppling over from an unexpected gust of wind. In the event of a spill, Moller says to keep stain-remover pens handy so guests can "quickly and discreetly remove any small stains on the spot."

Falling by or Into the Pool

It's not summer without a dip in the pool, but the beloved cool down spot comes with its own safety issues. As cannonballs and splashing create wet spots on the surrounding concrete, guests fall susceptible to slipping and landing in the pool—or even worse, hitting their head on the ground below.

How to Prevent Pool Accidents

"Always have towels on hand to mop up puddles—and no running!" Cooke says. Even if you keep the poolside area dry, falling into the body of water is still possible when easily distracted. Anthony Navarro, creative director at Liven It Up Events, recommends putting floating décor and rafts into the pool so it visually commands your guests' attention.

Broken Glass

It's common for guests to leave a stray glass by the pool or grill where they can easily be knocked over and shatter.

How to Minimize Broken Glass

For this reason, you should avoid glassware and opt for reusable tumblers—a guideline Cooke is especially keen on by the pool, where she says a cup or two is bound to be dropped. You'll protect your nicest glass cups and your guests' feet by using something shatterproof for drinks, instead.

Excess Sun Exposure

Whether you're enjoying a crab feast on the beach or hosting a party in your backyard, sun-related accidents are always something to be mindful of during summer get-togethers. Sunburn, heat exhaustion, dehydration, and more can all occur as a result of too much time outdoors.

How to Keep Guests Safe in the Sun and Heat

"Set up some shady spots out of the glaring rays and keep some extra sunblock on hand," Cooke recommends. "To beat the heat and prevent dehydration, have plenty of cold beverages available to your guests." She also recommends stocking up on aloe and after-care products in the event that you or your guests get too much sun.

Walking Into a Screen Door

Summer events can often be chaotic as people rush to get into the pool or hosts excitedly bring out more food and beverages for their attendees. This fast-paced environment can often lead to people mistaking a closed sliding screen door for an open one, causing guests to walk right into or through it.

How to Make Screened Doors More Visible

To avoid this, Navarro recommends putting a piece of white tape—assuming the handle is black or darkly colored—over the handle, which he says will help flag the barrier.

Burns

Whether it's a late-night bonfire, midday cookout, or a sparkler sessions on the Fourth of July, burns are common at summer parties.

How to Prevent Burns at Parties

To prevent people from injuring themselves, Cooke says to "always encourage guests to wear shoes, especially kids who may not see a hot discarded sparkler on the ground." If someone burns their hand on the grill or a bonfire ember jumps out and lands on someone's exposed leg, act quickly by keeping a first aid kit, filled with ointments, gauze, bandages, and more wound care items, nearby.