Safety first by the water.

Nothing says summer like sitting poolside, but water safety is extremely important. In the U.S., drowning is the leading cause of death in children ages 1 to 4.

To prevent accidents from occurring, swim only in designated areas with lifeguards. Inexperienced or young swimmers should wear a protective life jacket near the water. If you’re using a private pool, make sure there is adult supervision for children at all times and lock any gates to the pool when it is not in use. Pay attention for signs of dry drowning or secondary drowning, which occurs when water enters the mouth or nose or gets trapped in the lungs.

Water sitting in a garden hose can rise to scorching temperatures. If your backyard fun includes using a garden hose, run the water for a minute before testing the temperature.

Protect yourself from the sun.

While soaking in those summer rays, protect the skin you’re in. Broad spectrum sunscreen can protect against UVB rays (associated with burning) and UVA rays (associated with aging), but it must be applied regularly. Apply sunscreen 30 minutes before sun exposure and at least every two hours afterwards. If you’ve spent too much time in the sun, find out if it’s time to see a physician about your sunburn.

Stay hydrated.

Every part of your body needs water to function properly. When your temperature rises, your body sweats to keep cool and drive heat away from internal organs. So whether you’re sitting in the sun or playing all day, make sure to stay hydrated. Mix it up by adding fruits or vegetables to your water. You can also snack on high water content foods, such as watermelon or pineapple slices. Know the signs of dehydration and when to increase your intake.

Don’t invite unwanted guests.

From flip-flops to beach towels, prevent germs from entering your home after a day at the beach. Remove shoes before entering. Immediately place all moist towels into the washing machine to avoid spreading sand. If you’ve used goggles or other items, wash them with soap before storing them for the next round of fun.

Protect against pests.

A good insect repellent can work wonders for protecting your skin from bug bites. Unfortunately, most natural ingredients are not as effective as diethyltoluamide (DEET), the most commonly used chemical repellent. But you can still pick a safe, environmentally friendly option, certified by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). For children in strollers, place mosquito netting over the carrier for an extra barrier from bugs. If you notice you’ve gotten a bug bite, pay attention to any adverse reactions, such as headache, fever or tightness in your chest.

Prevent burns.

Between barbecues and bonfires, there are plenty of ways to unwind after a long summer day. Use extreme caution when it comes to open flames. Don’t allow children or pets near charcoal grills or bonfires. After you’re done, allow coals to cool before extinguishing with water.

Know where to go.

Accidents happen. Check out this guide to determine if you should go to the emergency department or an immediate care center in the event of an emergency.