I finally finished putting away the gifts my children received for Christmas last week, so you can imagine my surprise when I looked at the calendar and discovered that summer vacation started earlier this week. Where did the time go?!
If all goes according to plan, our summer vacation will revolve around lots of fun field trips, projects, and travel. But just because we’re focused on fun and relaxation doesn’t mean we can forget about safety. In many cases, increased vigilance, following special guidelines or rules, and/or taking extra safety precautions go hand-in-hand with our favorite summer activities.
Here’s how to make this summer vacation both fun AND safe for you, your family, and your friends!
Swimming Lessons
I consider teaching my kids to swim – or paying someone else to teach my kids to swim, since neither appreciates my many years of swim team and water safety experience – one of my most important parental responsibilities and one of the greatest gifts I can give them. Read more about the importance of and benefits associated with swimming lessons here, and find American Red Cross swimming lessons in your area here.
Water Safety
Regardless of whether or not you and your children know how to swim, there are basic precautions you should take whenever you’re near a swimming pool or beach. Read more about safety in and around water here, and contact your local chapter to learn more about water safety, home pool safety, first aid, and CPR classes.
Lifeguarding
What better way to save lives than to become an American Red Cross lifeguard! Help make this summer a safe and enjoyable one for pool- and beach-goers by contacting your local aquatic facility and asking about American Red Cross lifeguard certification classes OR by contacting your local Red Cross Aquatics Representative.
Fireworks Safety
The arrival of summer generally starts us thinking about the 4th of July. And the 4th of July generally starts us thinking about fireworks. Fireworks cause thousands of fires, as well as many injuries and even death, every year. If you plan to use fireworks as part of your 4th of July and/or summer celebrations, please do so safely.
Heatstroke
Just like it doesn’t have to be extraordinarily cold outside for hypothermia to set in, it doesn’t have to be really hot outside to suffer from heat cramps, heat exhaustion, and/or heatstroke. To avoid becoming a victim of the summer temperatures and humidity, take steps to keep you and your family cool and hydrated this summer.
West Nile Virus
Ah, mosquitoes…The mosquitoes are out in full force where I live, which means we’ve already started taking precautions to protect ourselves from their vicious bites. Here’s what you need to know about how to combat mosquitoes and help prevent contracting the West Nile Virus.
Happy summer, Red Crossers – make it a great (and safe!) one!