Being a casual disability or youth support worker gives you flexibility, variety, and the opportunity to make a real difference in people’s lives. To help you succeed and enjoy your role, here are some practical tips and advice.

Happy New Year! We hope your holidays have been filled with sunshine, good company and well-deserved rest. While January is still very much summer here in Australia, it’s the perfect time to reflect on enjoying these long summer days safely , especially as many of our youth and disability workers head out into the community or support clients in a range of environments. Here are some essential summer safety reminders - whether you’re heading to the beach, organising outdoor activities, working in the heat or just making the most of summer fun. Stay Cool & Hydrated Warm weather makes being outdoors so inviting but high temperatures can be dangerous if we aren’t careful. Heat exhaustion and dehydration can affect anyone, but especially those working outdoors or with additional care needs. Tips to stay cool and healthy: Drink plenty of water throughout the day - don’t wait until you’re thirsty! Take regular breaks in the shade or indoors, especially between 11 am – 3 pm when temperatures peak. Wear light, loose-fitting clothing and a hat to help your body regulate heat. Use fans or air-conditioning if available or seek cool public spaces like libraries or community centres. Water Safety Matters Many Australians use summer to swim, fish, paddle or enjoy rivers and the beach - and while water brings joy, it also brings risk. Water safety tips: Always swim between the flags at patrolled beaches and obey warnings. Never swim alone. Make sure someone else knows where you are. Avoid alcohol near water - it can impair judgement and reaction times. Know basic water rescue principles and CPR - it could save a life. Whether you’re supervising clients or spending time with family and friends, keeping a close eye on water safety is key to a fun and incident-free summer. Protect Your Skin Australia’s UV levels are among the highest in the world - and you don’t need to be at the beach to get sun damage.  Sun protection essentials: Use SPF50+ broad-spectrum sunscreen and reapply every two hours. Slip on protective clothing, Slop on sunscreen, Slap on a hat, Seek shade, and Slide on sunglasses - the SunSmart 5 S’s. Keep sunscreen and shade/umbrellas handy when out in the community or at outdoor events. This helps protect everyone’s skin but it’s especially important for people with disability or those who may be more vulnerable to heat and UV effects. Plan Ahead & Look Out for Each Other Summer isn’t just sunshine and surf - it can bring heatwaves and intense weather. Preparing ahead can make all the difference: Check weather forecasts before scheduling outdoor work or activities. Build regular check-ins into your day - especially for clients who live alone or are at risk of heat-related illness. Make sure everyone has access to water, shade and a plan for cooling down if it gets too hot. Looking out for one another is something that connects deeply with our work in youth and disability support and there’s no better time to practise it than during summer’s hottest weeks. Have Fun - Just Be Safe! We want you and your networks to make the most of these long, bright days ahead. Whether it’s community events, outings with clients or teaching new skills under the sun, enjoying summer responsibly keeps everyone happier and healthier. Wishing you all a safe, fun and fulfilling start to 2026!