Summer Safety Tips

School’s out, the days are long, and adventure is calling—but so are extra risks. Use these quick guidelines to keep fun front and center and emergencies off the calendar.

Safety Focus

What to Do

Why It Matters

Hydration Breaks

  • Send kids out with a full, reusable water bottle.

  • Check in with children every 20 minutes for water

  • Provide a salty snack when temps climb above 85°F.

Young athletes often miss early signs of heat exhaustion; structured breaks prevent dehydration and heat‑related illnesses.

Active Water Watcher

  • Assign one adult to supervise — phone put away, eyes on the water.

  • Trade off every 15 minutes to stay alert.

Drowning is silent and can occur in under 30 seconds; constant, dedicated attention saves lives.

Check the Forecast & Gear Up

  • Review wind and storm advisories before boating, rafting, or paddle boarding.

  • Require properly fitted, Coast Guard–approved life jackets for everyone, strong swimmers included.

Sudden weather shifts and hidden currents are common causes of water emergencies.

Smart Sun Practices

  • Apply broad‑spectrum SPF 30+ 15 minutes before going outside and reapply every two hours (or after swimming/sweating).

  • Keep infants (<12 months) in the shade between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m.

UV rays peak midday and can burn delicate skin quickly; consistent protection prevents burns and long‑term damage.

No Kids Alone in Cars—Ever

  • Make “Look Before You Lock” a habit: place your phone or purse in the back seat as a reminder.

  • Call 911 if you see a child left in a vehicle.

Interior temps can reach fatal levels in minutes, even with windows cracked.

Fireworks & Sparklers

  • Leave fireworks to licensed displays.

  • Allow only kids 4+ to use sparklers, and supervise closely; have a metal bucket for spent sticks.

Sparklers burn at 1,200 °F—hot enough to melt glass—and fireworks injuries spike every July.

Grill & Campfire Safety

  • Keep a 3‑foot “kid‑free zone” around grills, fire pits, and campfires.

  • Have a bucket of water or a fire extinguisher nearby.

  • For minor burns, run cool (not cold) water over the area for five minutes; seek care if blistering or leathery skin develops.

Open flames and hot surfaces are common sources of pediatric burns; quick, correct first aid limits tissue damage.