By Kim Ousley
Ready for some fun in the sun? Or maybe you’re happiest staying inside where the air conditioning runs around the clock. Either way, summer offers plenty of opportunities to enjoy the season—and with a little planning, amputees can safely make the most of everything it has to offer.
Whether your bucket list includes fishing, boating, kayaking, swimming, or simply relaxing at the beach, many favorite summer activities revolve around the water. While that can mean extra exposure to heat, humidity, and sunlight reflecting off the water, it doesn’t have to keep you from enjoying the outdoors. A little preparation goes a long way.
Summer also brings challenges many amputees don’t experience during cooler months. Increased sweating inside the socket and liner, limb volume fluctuations throughout the day, added friction, skin irritation, blisters, pressure sores, and more frequent prosthetic sock adjustments can all make outdoor activities more difficult.
Talk with your prosthetist about ways to minimize these issues. Washing your liner daily can help prevent rashes and fungal infections, and it’s always a good idea to keep a small supply bag in your vehicle or nearby. Include extra prosthetic socks, a small towel, prosthetist-approved antiperspirant, bandages, skin barrier wipes, and, most importantly, water.
Staying hydrated is especially important during the summer. Dehydration can lead to limb volume changes, increased fatigue, muscle cramping, balance issues, and a socket that suddenly feels loose or uncomfortable. Sometimes what feels like a prosthetic problem is actually your body telling you it needs more water.
One of the best parts of summer is the variety of accessible activities available today. Fellow amputees shared some of their favorites, including swimming, adaptive kayaking, fishing, camping, outdoor concerts, state fairs, botanical gardens, nature photography, accessible hiking trails, community festivals, flea markets, and even bowling. Today’s adaptive equipment and inclusive recreation programs continue to make these experiences more accessible than ever.
One of my favorite places to spend time is my local state park. I even helped the staff select the right four-wheeled all-terrain mobility device so visitors with disabilities can travel the trail to the park’s main attraction. During the warmer months, it’s in use almost every day—a wonderful reminder that accessibility opens doors for everyone.
I also love spending time near the water. Beaches, lakes, rivers, and pools have become much more accessible over the years. Many beaches now offer mobility mats that make it easier to walk or roll across the sand, while pools often feature lifts or zero-entry ramps that allow more people to enjoy the water safely.
Kayaking and other paddle sports continue to grow in popularity, offering low-impact exercise while strengthening the upper body. Many lakes and recreation areas now have adaptive docks and equipment designed specifically to make these activities easier and more enjoyable for people with disabilities.
Before heading out for the day, consider putting together a small summer kit to keep in your vehicle or beach bag. Protective prosthetic foot covers can help shield your device from dirt, sand, and water, while products such as the Dry Pro Prosthetic Sleeve make it easier to enjoy water activities without worrying about your prosthesis. Cooling towels can provide relief on especially hot days, and those who spend time in the water may benefit from water legs, swim fins, or water-resistant prosthetic components designed specifically for aquatic activities. If you don’t own adaptive equipment, don’t let that stop you. Many parks, beaches, and recreation areas now rent mobility scooters, power wheelchairs, and adaptive paddle sports equipment, making it easier than ever to explore somewhere new.
A little research before you leave home can also make your outing much more enjoyable. Look for destinations that offer accessible parking, beach wheelchairs, accessible restrooms and changing rooms, pool lifts or zero-entry access, and mobility mats that make navigating sand or uneven terrain easier. If you’re unsure what accommodations are available, don’t hesitate to call ahead. Many locations are happy to answer questions and help you plan a successful visit.
Next week, I’ll share additional summer safety tips for amputees, including important considerations for people living with diabetes. After spending the last 15 years navigating hot, humid Indiana summers as an amputee, I’ve learned that summer isn’t about avoiding the heat, the water, or the outdoors. It’s about having the right tools, planning ahead, and giving yourself permission to enjoy the season.
Next week, I’ll share additional summer safety tips for amputees, including important considerations for people living with diabetes. After spending the last 15 years navigating hot, humid Indiana summers as an amputee, I’ve learned that summer isn’t about avoiding the heat, the water, or the outdoors. It’s about having the right tools, planning ahead, and giving yourself permission to enjoy the season.
