A Parents Guide to Summer Safety for Kids

Summer is a time for family vacations, pool days, outdoor adventures and making memories with your kids. Amid all the fun and excitement, it's important to keep safety top of mind.

From sunburns and dehydration to water-related accidents, many common summer injuries can be prevented with a few simple precautions. Taking steps to protect your children now can help ensure your family enjoys a safe and healthy summer season.

To help parents prepare, we spoke with UF Health Jacksonville pediatrician Dr. Lesley McPeak about some of the most important summer safety tips for kids. Here's what parents need to know to keep their children safe all summer long.

1.What kind of sunscreen is recommended for children to avoid sunburn?

It’s recommended to use a broad-spectrum (UVA + UVB) sunscreen SPF 30 or higher. Mineral sunscreens containing zinc oxide and/or titanium dioxide are preferred for children because they are less likely to irritate sensitive skin and work immediately upon application. Chemical sunscreens are also effective but should be applied at least 15 minutes before sun exposure. Applying sunscreen to kids right before they jump in the pool is not as effective.

Lotion and cream-based sunscreens are recommended for kids, sprays carry inhalation risk. They also apply unevenly and are more prone to rinsing off.

For infants under 6 months, sunscreen should be avoided if possible. Avoid sun exposure as much as possible by using shade, lightweight long-sleeved clothing, hats and covered strollers. If sun exposure is unavoidable, a small amount of mineral sunscreen can be applied to exposed areas like the face and hands.

How Often to Apply

• Reapply every 2 hours while outdoors, even on cloudy days.

• Reapply more frequently every 40-60 minutes after swimming, sweating, or toweling off. There is no true "waterproof" sunscreen; look for "water resistant" labeling.

• Cover all exposed skin including hands, ears, lips, back of neck, scalp and tops of feet.

2. How can children stay safe in the pool and prevent drowning?

Drowning is the leading cause of death in children ages 1 to 4 and remains a significant cause of mortality in older children. Drowning is silent and fast.

Many of the recommendations pertain to the environment:

For backyard pools:

• Four-sided isolation fencing that completely separates the pool from the house and yard reduces pool immersion injuries in young children by more than 50%.
• Fences should be at least 4 feet, gates should be self-closing and self-latching, with the latch at least 54 inches above the bottom of the gate, opening away from the pool.
• Above ground and portable pools (including inflatable pools) also require barriers if pool walls are not high enough to meet the 4-foot barrier standard. Steps or ladders should be secured, locked or removed when not in use.
• Pool toys should be removed from the pool when not in use to reduce temptation for children to enter unsupervised.
• Supervision must be close, constant and attentive. For young children and non-swimmers, "touch supervision" (within arm's reach) is required. A designated "water watcher" adult should avoid all distracting activities (phones, reading, alcohol, etc.).
• Supervision cannot replace barriers, and barriers cannot eliminate the need for supervision. Both help with prevention.
• Floats and life jackets are not designed for pools and lead to a false sense of security.

For ocean swimming:

• Children should never be in the ocean without an adult who can swim within arm’s reach.
• Swimming lessons reduce drowning risk. All children need supervision in the water, even those who can swim.
• Life jackets (Coast Guard–approved) for all children when boating or near open water.
• CPR training is recommended for all caregivers.

3. How can kids stay safe outside and prevent heat stroke or dehydration?

• Check the weather. If the heat index is above 90°F (32°C), plan activities for early morning or evening instead.
• Make sure your child drinks water before heading out.
• Dress in lightweight, loose-fitting, light-colored clothing. Remove unnecessary layers or heavy gear when possible.
• Do not wait until your child says they are thirsty – by then, dehydration has already started. Take a water break at least every 15–20 minutes.
• For activities lasting more than 1 hour (long practices, tournaments, hikes), a sports drink with electrolytes can help replace salt lost in sweat. Avoid energy drinks - they are not safe for children or teens during exercise.
• After activity, your child should drink enough to replace what was lost.
• Take breaks in the shade or a cool area at least every 20–30 minutes during hot weather.
• Coaches and parents should schedule the most strenuous activities for the coolest part of the day.

If your child's team is starting a new season in the summer, allow 7–14 days to gradually build up to full-intensity practice. This "acclimation" period lets the body adjust to the heat and is one of the most important ways to prevent heat illness.

On artificial turf fields, surface temperatures can be significantly hotter than on grass, so take extra precautions.

Cooling Strategies:

Pour cool water over the head, neck and arms during breaks.

Use cold, wet towels on the neck and forehead.

4. What tips do you have for firework safety for children 18 and under?

Fireworks are best observed from commercial displays. Parents are often surprised to learn sparklers burn at over 1,200 degrees. You wouldn’t let a child touch a hot pan, and you shouldn’t let them hold fireworks either. A significant number of injuries occur to children who are bystanders when people light their own fireworks.

No child should handle fireworks, including sparklers, which are not safe for young children.

If attending an event where consumer fireworks are being used:

• Designate a sober adult to handle all fireworks
• Keep children at a safe viewing distance
• Have a bucket of water and a garden hose nearby
• Wear eye protection - this is the single most effective protective measure for bystanders
• Never relight a "dud" firework
• Soak used fireworks in water before discarding

5. Are there any other summer safety tips you want to share so that kids can have a safer summer experience?

There are so many critters here in Florida and insect bites are common when the weather gets warm. Tick-borne illnesses peak in summer months. To prevent bites:

• Wear light-colored, long-sleeved clothing, tuck pants into socks when outdoors, particularly when hiking/camping.
• Use EPA-approved repellents: DEET is approved for children ≥2 months.
• Perform thorough tick checks after being outdoors in wooded areas.
• Shower within 2 hours of coming indoors; dry clothes on high heat for ≥10 minutes.
• Homemade and natural insect repellents often are not effective enough to keep these insects away, and oil of lemon eucalyptus (OLE) should not be used in children under age 3.