Top 10 Tips for Family Summer Safety

Summer in Florida is all about fun in the sun as families enjoy a much-needed break from the busy school year and get to focus more time doing the things they love, such as swimming, traveling, and outdoor fun. While these are all activities to look forward to, incidents of drowning, sunburn, dehydration, and heat-related illnesses increase during the summer months.

Dr. Meredith Brazell with UF Health St. JohnsPediatrics shares 10 tips to help ensure your family remains happy and healthy all summer long.

1. Protect your skin from the sun
   • Apply sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher whenever spending time outdoors. “Make sure to keep sunscreen with you to protect your skin,” says Dr. Brazell. “Reapply every 3 hours, and consider dressing in sun-protective clothing like hats and lightweight long-sleeve shirts and pants.”
2. Stay hydrated
   • Kids are more prone to dehydration than adults, and the risk of dehydration rises with the temperatures. A general rule is half your child’s body weight should equal the number of ounces of water they should drink daily to stay properly hydrated.
3. Keep watch to prevent drowning
   • Actively supervise children at all times when in or around water, and make sure all the necessary swimming assistance devices are in use for those who need them. “With all the water in our area, making sure your child knows how to swim is one of the best ways to prevent drowning,” says Dr. Brazell.
4. Avoid bug bites
   • To avoid bug bites, always apply bug spray before going outdoors. Make sure to apply behind the neck, elbows, knees, and ankles.
5. Look for signs of heat exhaustion
   • Children often show signs of heat exhaustion with symptoms that include cramps and nausea. Hydration and breaks from the sun are key to avoiding this potentially life-threatening condition.
6. Wear a life jacket
   • Whether on a boat, in the ocean, or on a lake, it is important to have a properly fitting life jacket for all children and adults. A properly fitted life jacket is snug yet comfortable and will not move above the chin or ears when you lift it at the shoulders.
7. Beware of hot cars
   • The temperature can rise quickly in the car, and even a few moments can mean the difference between life and death. Establish a routine to check the car before exiting.
8. Check for playground safety
   • In the hot summer sun, playground equipment can heat quickly to dangerous temperatures. Always remember to carefully touch equipment to check for an overheated surface before playing.
9. Enjoy fireworks safely
   • If you and your family are celebrating the summer holidays with a bang, keep children safe by never letting them touch or light fireworks. Always read the safety guidelines before setting off any fireworks.
10. Ride safely
    • Riding a bicycle is a childhood rite of passage. Teach children how to navigate safely around other vehicles, make sure that they are riding a bike that is properly sized, and wear a properly fitting bike helmet at all times.