With pool time, beach days, backyard cookouts, and road trips, we all love summer fun, but it’s also a time when injuries and emergencies happen most. As a certified CPR instructor and child safety expert, I’ve seen how quickly things can change in an instant and how being prepared now can save lives.

If you’re a parent, grandparent, teacher or caregiver, these summer safety tips will help you keep your family safe while still enjoying the season.

1. Drowning Prevention: Watch the Water Without Distractions

Drowning is the leading cause of accidental death for children under 5. It happens silently and within seconds. Whether you're at the pool, lake or beach, supervision is key.

• Assign a Water Watcher: An adult should be actively watching children in or near water at all times. No phones. No distractions.

• An adult or responsible teenager needs to be within arm's length at all times for children under the age of 8 when in water.

• The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends structured swim lessons starting at the age of one but you can introduce your infant to water as young as 3 months under close supervision.

• Avoid using floaties as they provide a false sense of security, can slip off and parents may offer less supervision.

• Understand the signs of drowning. It usually involves quiet behavior and stillness, not yelling or splashing.

• Learn CPR. Immediate action can double or triple a drowning victim’s chance of survival.

2. Choking Prevention: Safer Snacks and Smart Habits

Summer snacks like grapes, hot dogs, and popcorn can become choking hazards, especially for toddlers and young children.

• Cut grapes, hot dogs and other round foods into small, manageable pieces for all children 4 years of age and younger.

• Always have children sit while eating. No running, lying down or playing with food in their mouths.

• Keep small toys or game pieces out of reach of babies and toddlers.

• Avoid feeding your child while riding in the car due to the risk of choking.

• Learn choking first aid. Knowing how to respond with back blows/chest thrusts for those under the age of one and abdominal thrusts for those over the age of one can save a life.

3. Travel Safety: Plan Ahead for Safe Summer Trips

Summer travel also increases the risk of injury or emergency. A little preparation goes a long way.

• Pack a travel first aid kit with bandages, antiseptic wipes, allergy meds, and emergency contacts.

• Keep at least one Epi-Pen with you and your child at all times if your child has a life-threatening food allergy.

• Use the correct car seat or booster for every trip, no matter how short.

• Teach kids what to do if they get separated from you in a crowd.

• Keep CPR skills up to date in case of a travel emergency.

4. Backyard Safety: Grilling, Playing, and Preventing Accidents

Summer fun at home can quickly turn into a hazard without the right precautions.

• Keep grills and fire pits away from play areas and never leave them unattended.

• Be very cautious if using a wire grill brush. The wire bristles can stick to the grill, become lodged in food, and cause throat punctures, or intestinal damage. This causes numerous Emergency Room visits each summer

• Use heat-safe tools when grilling and store lighter fluid securely.

• Pick up toys, cords, and yard tools to avoid tripping hazards.

• Supervise children on trampolines and playground equipment at all times.

5. Heat Safety: Keep Cool and Hydrated in Extreme Temperatures

High temperatures can be dangerous, especially for young children, older adults, and anyone spending long hours outdoors. Heat exhaustion and heatstroke can come on quickly if you're not careful.

• Stay hydrated: Make sure everyone is drinking water regularly, especially during outdoor play or sports.

• Dress for the weather: Choose lightweight, breathable clothing and wide-brimmed hats for sun protection.

• Take breaks: Rest in the shade or indoors during the hottest parts of the day, usually between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.

• Never leave children or pets in a car. Even a few minutes can be deadly.

• Know the signs of heat exhaustion: excessive sweating, clammy skin, dizziness, nausea, headache, and rapid heartbeat. Take your child to a cool area and give them 4 ounces of water every 15 minutes. If they do not improve, call 911 or go to the nearest Emergency Room.

There’s no better time than now to get prepared. I offer CPR classes across Houston for parents, teachers, babysitters and community groups. You’ll learn how to respond to the most common emergencies that happen during summer and beyond.

If you'd like to learn more or schedule a training session, I’d love to hear from you. Just reach out at cprandsafetylady@gmail.com.