Summer is such a special time for families! The grind of the usual daily routine is finally over no more bussing kids all over, no more homework, no more dreary weather, and no more rushed mornings. It’s a chance to slow down and soak up the sunshine.
Whether you’re spending the afternoon at the pool or going on a long road trip, summer presents so many new opportunities to make memories. But, for those memories to be good ones, safety is essential! And the truth is, summer activities can bring a lot of added danger to your daily life! Knowing how to beat the heat is key for a summer that’s both safe and fun!
So today, we’re sharing a roundup of essential safety tips your family should know before heading out to enjoy whatever adventures the sunny day brings. Here’s what to keep in mind:
Summertime Safety Tips for Families
Water Safety Tips
Supervise children near any water and designate a water watcher.
We should never expect a child to know how to stay safe while around any body of water. An adult should be actively watching the kids at all times staying focused on the water without any distractions.
Use Coast Guard-approved life jackets but skip arm floaties.
When a life jacket is needed (not always at the pool, but in any body of water where the bottom isn’t visible), ensure it’s Coast Guard approved. Make sure these are the vest style and avoid arm floaties or Puddle Jumpers, as they can promote poor swim habits.
Put your kids in consistent swim lessons.
Formal swimming lessons can reduce a child’s risk of drowning by 88%! Enroll your children in swimming lessons as early as you can.
Set clear rules around the water.
Children have a strict set of rules around water that they know by heart. Take time to teach them these helpful safety rules:
- No running
- Wait for permission before entering the water
- No breath-holding games
- No pushing, dunking, or rough play
- Stay away from pool drains and filters
- Get in and out of the water safely
Install barriers around home pools.
Use fences, alarms, and self-latching gates to prevent unsupervised access to pools. You can never be too cautious!
Always check water conditions before swimming.
Before entering any body of water, assess the conditions before swimming. Strong currents, wildlife hazards, or other factors could make you think twice before swimming.
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