Now that schools have started letting out for the summer it is time for great family fun.  Many families will hit the road for vacations this summer, kids will go to camp or the local pool or the park to have a little fun.  As your kids head out to make great memories remind them of the summer safety rules and how to stay safe while they play so they can enjoy the fun all summer long.

Family Day Trips: trips to the zoo or amusement park can be nerve wracking, especially if you have little ones who like to run off.  They also make for great family memories.

• Set up a safe place where everyone should return to if you get separated.
• Make sure your children have id, an id bracelet, etc can be very helpful if your child gets lost.
• Make sure everyone has hats, cool clothing, and sunscreen to prevent sunburns and overheating.

Trips to the Pool: the pool can pose a lot of hazards for little ones, but are so much fun too.

• Sunscreen, hats, water, and cool clothing will help keep sunburns away and keep the kids from getting overheated.
• Set rules about where the kids are allowed to go, ie only the shallow end of the pool, or the kiddie area.
• Make sure everyone knows exactly where your “spot” is and the rules about returning to the “spot”
• Monitor children closely, if they are getting overheated, appear to be over doing it in the pool, or choke on water at all get them out to sit quietly in a cool area.

Day Camps: a great way for your kids to get away on their own.

• Set ground rules about safety, including sun safety, play safety, water safety, etc.
• Make sure the camp has all necessary contact information for you or other emergency contacts.
• If your child is on medication make sure the camp counselors are aware of when it should be taken, side effects, etc.
• Send your kid with sunscreen, a hat, and cool clothing to help keep over exposure to the sun at a minimum.

The fun and sun of summer make for great family time.  Heading to the pool, the park, the zoo, or where ever the summer takes you can be a fun and exciting for all.  Set a time to sit down as a family and go over all the rules, safety tips, etc that you want to remind your children of.  If your kids know all the rules and know how to keep themselves safe summer injuries and accidents can be kept to a minimum.

Schools out, go out and have together as a family!