It's finally here…Summer! The warm beautiful weather, outdoor activities and fun are plentiful this time of year. Unfortunately, so are the opportunities for sunburns, heat rashes, bug bites, water dangers and many more summer activity hazards. Below are some important summer safety tips to help ensure a super spectacular summer.

• Fireworks and Sparklers - Being safe around fireworks is critical for both kids and adults, as the risk of injury is greatest for teenagers and young children. Always light fireworks away from other people because they can backfire or launch in an unexpected direction.
  
  

• Swim Smart - According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), more than 800 children drown every year. For that reason, never leave children alone in or near water, even for a minute.
  
  

• Overheating & Dehydration - The key to avoiding overheating is to stay hydrated. Never wait for a child to tell you they are thirsty. According to the AAP, a child is already dehydrated when they ask for something to drink, so offer lots of fluids both before going outside, and once the child is outside playing. Whenever a child is outside, use sunscreen with a sun protection factor (SPF) of 15 to 30. Choose one that protects against UVA and UVB rays.
  
  

• Do not leave a child unattended in the car for a minute! - A child's body heats up three to five times faster than an adult's does and when left in a hot car, a child's major organs begin to shut down when his temperature reaches 104 degrees Fahrenheit (F).

The Center’s Prevention Publications including Summer & Water Safety