Summer Safety Tips

Summer means a break from your everyday routine. Kids are outside enjoying the sun and the water. Summer is also the time of year when more injuries occur. Make sure you keep your family safe this summer while they're having fun. Here are a few safety tips to keep in mind:

Water Safety

* Never leave young children alone in a swimming pool. They should be supervised at all times.

* Enroll your children in swimming lessons at a young age. You will have less to worry about when you are around water if they know how to swim well.

* Stop swimming at the first sign of bad weather. Don't stay in a pool if you have seen a flash of lightning, even if it is in the distance.

* Make sure everyone, children and adults, wear a life vest when riding on a boat. If the boat stalls in the middle of the lake, even the best swimmer would have trouble making it to shore.

Sun Safety

* Don't go outside when the sun is the strongest, between the hours of 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.

* You need to apply at least one ounce (2 tablespoons) of sunscreen to your body at least 30 minutes before you go outside. Don't skimp on sunscreen and don't try to stretch the amount you get out of each bottle.

* Sunlight can damage your eyes, so don't forget to wear sunglasses that will protect you against UV light.

Bike Safety

* The best tip for staying safe on a bike is to wear a bicycle helmet.

* Tires should be properly inflated. Pinch the tires at least once a week and fill them with air when they get low. Bike accidents are more likely when riding on improperly inflated tires.

* Teach your children the rules of the road. They need to understand that they must follow traffic signs just like a car.

* Don't ever let your children ride with someone on their handlebars or the back of their bike seat.

Car Trip Safety

* Make sure that you learn how to properly adjust and install your children's car seats. All children ages 12 and under should ride in the back seat of the car.

* Always travel with a supply of food and water in the car, especially if traveling long distances through sparsely populated areas. You never know when the car might break down and you will have to go for help or wait for help.

* Make sure car tires are properly inflated before beginning a long trip. You should also check the condition of the spare tire and make sure you have tools for changing a tire before you leave the house.

Have a happy and safe summer!!