Simple Summer Safety

Before you run to the beach or go to the pool, read these tips to help you and your family stay safe this summer.

Skin safety

Protect your skin and your children's skin from the sun. Use sunscreen to cut down their risk of skin cancer later in life.

Here are some tips:

• Remember that sun exposure near water is increased by reflection from the water.  When you're on the beach or near water, you need to be particularly careful to avoid sunburn.

• Wear a waterproof sunscreen of at least SPF 15 that protects against both UVA and UVB. Sunscreens that provide the greatest protection against UVA contain titanium dioxide, zinc oxide, or avobenzone. Apply it 20 to 30 minutes before exposure and reapply the sunscreen periodically, as directed on the container. (Sunscreen should not be used on infants younger than 6 months.)

• When out of the water, slip on a long-sleeved shirt and pants and wear a hat to protect against excessive sun exposure.

• Use a beach umbrella or find shade when not actually in the water.

• Wear UV-proof sunglasses when not in the water.

Water safety

Swimming is fun and great exercise for the whole family. You must take care, however, because accidents can happen.

Follow these tips to help prevent drowning:

• Teach children to swim. If you can't teach them, enroll any child 4 or older in swimming lessons. Sign up for lessons yourself.

• If you have a pool at home, put a fence around the pool to keep small children out.

• Do not allow children to run or horseplay around the pool, because wet surfaces are slick.

• Watch young children at ALL times. Don't do anything else while watching the children. Don't talk on the phone, read, or mow the lawn.

• Learn CPR, particularly if you have a pool at home.

Swimmer's ear

Swimmer's ear is an infection of the ear canal that can happen to children who spend a lot of time swimming underwater.

Here are some tips to help prevent a water-related ear infection:

• Wear earplugs.

• Clean the outer area of the ear but not the inside.

• After swimming, put two drops of a 50/50 mixture of rubbing alcohol and vinegar in each ear. The alcohol breaks the water tension and helps the canal dry; the vinegar is antibacterial and antifungal.

• Never put anything in the ear. This includes cotton swabs.

Talk to your doctor if your child complains about:

• Itching in the ears or a feeling of stuffed-up ears

• Pain, tenderness or swelling of the ears

• Fluid draining from the ears

• Hearing loss