Summer is all about fun in the sun but staying safe is just as important! Here are some quick tips to help parents and kids have a safe and happy summer.

🧴 1. Slather on the Sunscreen

Apply sunscreen with SPF 30+ at least 15–30 minutes before going outside. Reapply every 2 hours, and remember to wear hats and sunglasses. Seek shade during peak sun hours (10 AM—4 PM).

💧 2. Stay Hydrated

Drink water often, even if you’re not thirsty. Hot weather and outdoor activities require more fluids to stay cool and healthy.

🕶️ 3. Dress for the Heat

To protect yourself from the sun, wear lightweight, light-colored clothing, wide-brimmed hats, and sunglasses. Flip-flops are great for the beach, but not for biking or running!

🏊 4. Be Water Wise

Always swim with an adult present. Follow pool rules, wear life jackets when boating or participating in open-water activities, and never dive into shallow water. Summer is a great time to enroll in swimming lessons.

🚲 5. Helmet = Head Protection

Ride safe, ride smart!
Always ensure children wear properly fitted helmets when biking, scootering, or skateboarding. Teach them hand signals and road rules. Remember, a helmet could save your life!

🦟 6. Bug Off!

Use child-safe insect repellent (e.g., in wooded areas), especially at dawn or dusk and check for ticks after outdoor play. Long sleeves and pants can also help prevent bites. You can make your own organic bug spray right at home. Also, colours like white, green, blue, and purple make it more difficult to be seen and can repel mosquitoes.

🔥 7. Campfire & BBQ Caution

Stay a safe distance from open flames, fire pits, and grills. No running or playing near them, and never touch hot coals! Parents should supervise any use of sparklers, and if using fireworks, keep kids at a safe distance by ensuring adult supervision for all pyrotechnic displays. And remember, kids are always watching/listening, therefore they see/hear how we interact with fire or talk about fire safety. Teach them young so when they become teenagers and young adults, they’ll have this little voice in the back of their head ‘I remember mom/dad talk talking about being sure there is nothing flammable is nearby, or we have a water source nearby in case of a disaster‘. Children learn from us, so let’s be sure to lead by example.

🌳 8. Stranger Safety

If your children are heading to parks or events without adults, remind them to stay with their group or go to the bathroom with a buddy and never wander off alone. Teach children about stranger danger and the importance of never going off with someone they don’t know, even if that person claims to know their parents or a family member. Establish a family “code word.” And practice it often so everyone remembers the code word!

🚶 9. Street Smarts

Look both ways before crossing the street, and always use crosswalks. Stay alert and avoid distractions like phones or earbuds.

😎 10. Listen to Your Body

If you feel dizzy, tired, or too hot, take a break in the shade to cool off, and let an adult know how you feel. These are the first signs of heat stroke! Be sure to drink water if you feel dizzy, tired or too hot!