Summer Safety Tips

The chill has finally removed itself from your bones. The sun stays in the sky longer and longer each day. Hello summer! Boats, beaches and vitamin D can sometimes overshadow the importance of safety. Don’t let your joy turn to sadness over a preventable injury. Here are some tips that will help keep you and your children safe this summer season.

• Sunscreen, sunscreen, sunscreen! – Mary Schmich of the Chicago Tribune once said, “Ladies and gentlemen of the class of ’98… If I could offer you only one tip for the future, sunscreen would be it.” Young folks often don’t understand the important of protecting their skin, and the issues it can cause down the road if you don’t. At minimum, wear sunscreen when the sun is the hottest (10AM-5PM). Wear wide-brimmed hats. Take a break in the shade after a long spell in the sun. Everyone loves a suntan, but be smart and use sun protection.
• Water Safety – No one is immune to drowning. Here are a few tips to keep in mind:

• • Children should always be in the presence of adult supervision when near water. Keep children within an arms reach for quick attention should an issue arise.
  • Life jackets should always be worn when boating. The Florida Boating Regulations state,”All vessels are required to have onboard a wearable USCG-approved personal flotation device (PFD) for each person. The PFDs must be of the appropriate size for the intended wearer, be in serviceable condition, and within easy access.” Take safety seriously and use your life preservers.
  • Rip currents are an extreme safety risk during the summer. Even the strongest swimmer is at risk when a riptide takes hold. To escape a rip current, swim parallel to the shoreline until free from the current. Do not fight the current. If you’re unable to break free, float or tread water.

Make this summer the best yet by having safe fun in the sun!