Don't let summer fun land you in the ER.
That's the intent behind a new interactive experience at The University of Texas at Arlington designed to help students and the community safely enjoy the season's sun-soaked and celebratory activities.
UT Arlington's ESCAPE room—short for Experiential Scenarios for Collaborative and Practical Education—is hosting a timely session called "Episode 1: Sizzle & Survive—The Summer Safety Escape." Located on the first floor of the School of Social Work and Smart Hospital building, the immersive space guides participants through common summer scenarios—like setting off fireworks or attending pool parties, cookouts and other mosquito-filled gatherings on hot, humid North Texas evenings—that can quickly turn dangerous without proper precautions.
"The ESCAPE room provides an opportunity for faculty and students to collaborate to design and implement engaging learning experiences," said Tracy Orwig, director of interprofessional education and an associate professor of social work. "This interactive approach offers students and the community a unique way to explore timely, important and relevant topics, fostering deeper understanding through hands-on engagement."
The exhibit, a collaboration between UTA's College of Nursing and Health Innovation and the School of Social Work, is free and open to the public through Friday, Aug. 1.
One of the most pressing summer safety concerns is sun protection. According to the National Cancer Institute, fewer than 70% of adults routinely use any form of sun protection—whether it's sunscreen, protective clothing or simply avoiding intense sun exposure and seeking shade. Meanwhile, between 2014 and 2023, new melanoma cases rose an average of 1.2% each year.
"Not one of these is entirely fail proof, so we recommend using more than one and possibly all three for maximum protection," said Pam White, UTA assistant clinical professor and simulation educator. "Incorporating sun safety behaviors into our day-to-day lives is important since the skin damage from even one sunburn may be permanent. Learning how to protect our skin from the extreme Texas sun is an important part of the health journey for any Texan."
Another summertime concern is contracting West Nile virus through mosquito bites. Since there is no vaccine available, UTA public health expert Laura Phipps suggests using EPA-registered insect repellent containing DEET—or lemon eucalyptus oil for a natural option— wearing protective clothing that minimizes skin exposure, and avoiding outdoor activities during dusk and dawn when mosquitoes are most active.
"Exposure to mosquitoes can also be controlled environmentally by maintaining undamaged screens on windows and doors, installing mosquito traps and eliminating stagnant water to prevent creating breeding grounds for mosquitoes," Phipps said.
The best practices for water safety are another frequent question this time of year. Student Jennifer Cochran Anderson, who is on track to earn her master's degree in social work next summer, said being water smart is "more than just knowing how to swim or practicing boating safety."
"It's about learning how to prevent and respond to water emergencies," Cochran Anderson said. "Young children and inexperienced swimmers should always wear a life jacket and stay within arm's reach of experienced swimmers whenever they are in or near the water."
Anderson added that when swimming in natural environments, the Texas Parks and Wildlife recommends swimmers are aware of changing water conditions.
"Water can appear calm on the surface while containing strong currents, sudden drop-offs, and sharp or slippery rocks, limbs, and other dangers beneath," she said.
About The University of Texas at Arlington (UTA)
Celebrating its 130th anniversary in 2025, The University of Texas at Arlington is a growing public research university in the heart of the thriving Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex. With a student body of over 41,000, UTA is the second-largest institution in the University of Texas System, offering more than 180 undergraduate and graduate degree programs. Recognized as a Carnegie R-1 university, UTA stands among the nation's top 5% of institutions for research activity. UTA and its 280,000 alumni generate an annual economic impact of $28.8 billion for the state. The University has received the Innovation and Economic Prosperity designation from the Association of Public and Land Grant Universities and has earned recognition for its focus on student access and success, considered key drivers to economic growth and social progress for North Texas and beyond.
