Summer vacation is about to start! 

Relaxed schedules, enjoying what summer has to offer, and just being with family are the joys of being out of school and entering into the “Good Old Summertime.”

In rushing into a fun-filled summer, we need to use safety precautions to protect our children. Here are a few safety tips I have to remind myself of as I take care of young children during the summer months.

• Apply the appropriate sunscreen to your child. Each child requires a different scale of protection according to the color of their skin and their age.
• Application 20 to 30 minutes ahead of time will allow the sunscreen to soak in and protect sensitive areas. When your child goes swimming or plays in the sprinkler, re-apply the sunscreen at intervals when they get in and out of the water.
• When children are running and playing outside in the heat, it is important for them to be dressed appropriately with light-colored and lightweight clothing.
• In preventing heat stress in children, be sure he or she is very well-hydrated. Encourage your child to drink as much water, juice and different-flavored drinks as possible.
• Have your children rest and do quiet activities during the heat of the day.
• When outside, have your child stay out of direct heat and to try to find shade.
• During late afternoon or evening hours, ensure your child is properly sprayed with insect repellant.
• When you are doing summer mowing, ensure your child stays at a safe distance from the lawn mower. A mower can kick up a rock or stick that could hit your child.
• In taking your child to playgrounds and parks during the summer, ensure that the sliding board, swings and other playground equipment are not too hot for your child to play on.
• Parents, ensure your children walk in safe areas along the bay and ocean shores. So many times sharp shells, barnacles, glass and aluminum cans can cut badly the toes and feet of a child.
• Put helmets on your child when he or she is riding a bicycle. Review bicycle safety rules with the child, too.
• Pack a first aid kit you will need for your family.

Beth Pinyerd lives in Daphne and serves as director of younger children at Faith Family Fellowship in Spanish Fort.

Her column appears regularly in The Bulletin.