The sun is slowly starting to peek out from the clouds which means that summer is on its way. Bring on the outdoor activities! But with the sun starting to raise the temperature, there comes a few safety risks that can be easily addressed. 

Here are some tips on how to keep you and your family safe in the summer heat: 

1. Stay hydrated 
   It is so important for your kids to drink plenty of water during the summer, especially when they are spending more time outside. Fill up a water bottle for them to keep with them outside so they can have easy access! 
2. Wear sunscreen
   Make sure to protect your kids’ skin by applying sunscreen regularly anytime they go outside. Yes, even when it’s cloudy! According to John Hopkins Medicine, you should re-apply sunscreen every two hours. Another idea is to encourage your kids to wear a hat and sunglasses for additional sun protection. Your kids (and their dermatologists) will thank you later down the road!

3. Never leave a child alone in a vehicle
   A child should never be left alone in a vehicle, not even for a minute. This is the case all the time but especially as temperatures rise. In the summer, temperatures in a car become even warmer than they are outside, increasing the risk of heat stroke. It’s important to take your child with you whenever you leave the car!
   
4. Dress lightly
   Dress your child in loose, lightweight, and lightly colored clothing. According to the Huntsman Cancer Institute, “Darker colors absorb more UV than lighter colors like whites and pastels. This means the UV rays are less likely to reach your skin”.
   
5. Keep your eyes on the water 
   Keep a watchful eye on your child whenever they are in the water. This may seem obvious, but according to Safe Kids Worldwide, drowning is the third leading cause of death for children. So, find a comfortable spot to sit and observe how your child is doing in the water.   

While participating in water play, please make sure to remember the safety guidelines:

• Keep all swimming pools and other bodies of water fenced with a locking gate or other DLR-approved safety device and lock hot tubs when not in use. 
• Make all potential water hazards, including wading pools, inaccessible to children when not in use.  
• You must observe the following when foster children are swimming in pools and outdoor bodies of water:  
• Swim only in designated swimming areas or require all children aged thirteen and under to wear personal floatation devices. 
• If you have any water-based recreation devices, you must use and maintain them according to manufacturer’s recommendations. All children and youth who ride in a water-based recreation device must wear a personal floatation device at all times.  
• An adult with current age-appropriate first aid and CPR or a lifeguard must supervise children swimming under age twelve and must be able to see and hear the children at all times. Children under the age of five must be within touching distance of a supervising adult or the birth parent at all times. 
• If you follow these simple safety precautions, you and your family can all enjoy everything the summer weather has to offer! 

Sources:
John Hopkins Medicine
Embrella
Safe Kids Worldwide
Huntsman Cancer Institute