Summer brings a number of safety challenges for young outdoor adventurers, not to mention for concerned parents. Here are five easy ways to keep your kids safe this season.

In the water

Start them early! It’s never too soon to enroll your child in swim lessons. Always keep a close eye on kids when they're in the water and insist on wearing life jackets when you’re on a boat. Make sure you know the signs of secondary drowning (the buildup of inhaled water in the lungs after a drowning incident that results in a pulmonary edema) and brush up on CPR skills before letting your young adventurers loose to play in the pool, lake or ocean.

In the sun

Powerful sun rays can cause sunburns in a matter of minutes, even on a cloudy day. Liberally apply a high-SPF sunscreen 30 minutes before any outdoor activity, and don't forget hats and sunglasses.

In the woods

If it’s too warm to wear long-sleeved shirts and pants, spray kids down with insect repellent before heading out into the woods. Avoid using sweet-smelling soaps, perfumes or lotions that can tempt bees and wasps. If your child has a life-threatening allergy to insect bites or stings, don’t leave home without a pre-filled epinephrine injector, a common treatment used for severe allergic reactions such as anaphylaxis.

In the car

On hot days, the temperature inside a locked car can quickly reach deadly levels. Never leave kids alone in a locked vehicle, even for a short errand, and double-check the backseat every time you exit.

On the bike

Gear up for a safe ride by outfitting your child with a properly sized bike helmet. If they’re cycling alone or with a friend, know their route and check in with them during the ride. 

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