Summer is the perfect time for fun in the sun. Between family vacations, stay-cations and outdoor adventures, make sure your family stays safe.

Practice sun safety

It can certainly be challenging to remember to apply sunscreen at least 30 minutes before going outdoors. But that's exactly what you and your kids should do before heading outside, even on cloudy days (that's because UVA rays can go right through the clouds and still cause damage). Up to 80% of the sun's UV rays can penetrate the skin, even on cloudy days, according to the American Academy of Dermatology. Sunscreen is just one of the ways to guard against the sun's damaging rays. Because the sun's rays can reflect off of the sand and water or other reflective surfaces, hats, and sunglasses can also play an important role in preventing UV damage.

Prevent heat-related illness

As the temperature continues to heat up during the summer, the following tips can help to keep you cool and prevent your body from overheating:

• Stay hydrated.
• Stay inside with air conditioning when you can.
• Wear loose-fitting, light-colored clothing.
• Stay in shaded areas when outdoors.
• Don’t leave anyone in a parked car on a hot day.

Water safety

To help prevent accidental drownings and other water-related injuries, keep the following tips in mind:

• Always supervise children and teens in the water.
• Stay hydrated while swimming.
• No running or roughhousing by the water’s edge.
• No diving into pools.
• Wear a life jacket when boating.
• Get certified in CPR
• Don’t bring electronics near water
• Use plastic drinking cups
• Swim with a buddy and near a lifeguard

Protect against bugs

Bugs are one of those annoyances of summer. But insects, such as potentially disease-carrying mosquitoes and bees, can also be harmful to kids.

• Use insect repellents
• Wear long-sleeve shirts and long pants when going outside, particularly at dusk
• Never leave stagnant pools of water around the house

Do not forget helmets

Your child should wear a helmet whenever they are on anything with wheels, such as a scooter, bicycle, skateboard, or roller skates. Be sure to set a good example by always wearing your helmet when riding your bike.

Follow food safety

Foodborne illnesses increase in the summer because bacteria grow faster in warmer temperatures and humidity. On top of that, more people are eating and preparing food outdoors, at picnics and barbecues, where refrigeration and places to wash hands are not readily available.

• Be sure to wash your hands before preparing or serving any food
• Never cross-contaminate
• Keep all perishable foods in the refrigerator
• Do not keep leftovers unrefrigerated for more than one or two hours

Avoid trampoline dangers

• Never let more than one child use the trampoline at a time.
• Do not allow kids younger than 6 play on a full-sized trampoline.
• Do not let kids do somersaults.
• Install safety nets around the sides to prevent falls.
• Move the trampoline away from other structures or play areas.

Warn kids about enclosed spaces

Warn kids about hiding in enclosed spaces. Teach children to never play hide and seek by crawling inside an enclosed space such as a car trunk, chest, or old cooler or appliance.

Keep yardwork safe

Never allow children to ride on lawnmowers or to play near motorized lawn equipment.