Keep Kids Safe This Summer

Hot weather provides opportunities for kids to enjoy the outdoors. Take steps to keep them safe and healthy, both indoors and outdoors.

Master water safety

Swimming and other water activities are excellent ways to get the physical activity and health benefits needed for a healthy life. Get the most from these activities while helping everyone stay safe and healthy.

Protect yourself and your kids in the water where you swim and play.
Help prevent recreational water illnesses.
Get H2O Smartz about water safety.
Stay safe while boating.
Wear life jackets and prevent drowning.

Beat the heat

The hot weather is here. The best defense is to prevent heat-related illnesses. Those at greatest risk of heat-related illness include infants and children up to 4 years of age.

Sun Safety for Kids

Just a few serious sunburns can increase your child’s risk of skin cancer later in life. Their skin needs protection from the sun’s harmful ultraviolet (UV) rays whenever they’re outdoors.

Seek shade. UV rays are strongest and most harmful during midday, so it’s best to plan indoor activities then. If this is not possible, seek shade under a tree, an umbrella, or a pop-up tent.
Cover up. When possible, long-sleeved shirts and long pants and skirts can provide protection from UV rays. Clothes made from tightly woven fabric offer the best protection.
Get a hat. Hats that shade the face, scalp, ears, and neck are easy to use and give great protection. If your child chooses a baseball cap, be sure to protect exposed areas with sunscreen.
Wear sunglasses. They protect your child’s eyes from UV rays, which can lead to cataracts later in life. Look for sunglasses that wrap around and block as close to 100% of both UVA and UVB rays as possible.
Apply sunscreen. Use sunscreen with at least SPF 15 and UVA and UVB protection every time your child goes outside. For the best protection, apply sunscreen generously 30 minutes before going outdoors. Don’t forget to protect ears, noses, lips, and the tops of feet.

Be safe at home, work, and play

Most child injuries can be prevented. Injuries are the leading cause of death in children aged 19 and younger.

Play it safe on the playground. Each year in the United States, emergency departments treat more than 200,000 children aged 14 and younger forplayground-related injuries.
Learn what to do if a concussion occurs. A concussion is a type of traumatic brain injury caused by a bump, blow, or jolt to the head that can change the way your brain normally works.
Stay smart around the house by following tips on fire prevention, microwave use, and living with pets.
Prevent injuries. Protect the ones you love.
Help working teens learn about safety and health on the job.

Prevent youth violence

Healthy relationship behaviors can have a positive effect on teens' emotional development.

Protect your children from electronic aggression.
Protect kids from teen dating violence.

Learn about health

School's out, but CDC has lots of resources for kids to learn about issues that affect their health.

Listen to the Kidtastics radio podcasts recorded by kids for kids.
Explore BAM - Designed for kids 9–13 years old, BAM! Body and Mind gives them the information they need to make healthy lifestyle choices.

Help yourself, your loved ones, and others have a safe and healthy summer!