Summer Safety Tips to Keep the Fun Rolling All Season

By Shamiza A. Ally, M.D., pediatrician, Montefiore Einstein Bronx Voice 

July 16, 2025 

BRONX - Growing up in the South Bronx as a kid brings back fond memories for me, especially summertime fun. Whether it was cooling off at Orchard Beach, going to Mullaly pool with family, learning to ride a bike, or just sitting on the steps of my building on the Grand Concourse listening to music, waiting for the ice cream truck to come by, the sights and sounds of summer in the Bronx are forever cherished.

‘School’s out! Summer is finally here” is the cheer in every town.  On your mark, get set, and go!  But wait…not so fast. The key to having fun is to practice being safe, smart, and sensible. There is no fun in getting hurt, going to the Emergency Room, and having your summer cancelled.  Here are some helpful tips to know before you go!

The top five summer safety tips to keep the fun rolling all season long are simple to follow and very effective. 

1. Water Safety—Nothing says summer like cooling off with a splash in the pool or at the beach. Did you know that drowning is the number one cause of accidental death for children ages 1 to 4-years-old? Each year approximately 800 children in the U.S. die from drowning. The heart-breaking part is knowing that these deaths are preventable. Drownings can happen anywhere there’s water, whether it’s at a pool party in the backyard, local pool, or at the beach. It’s best to swim when there is a lifeguard on duty and always supervise children in or around even shallow water. Designate an adult whose only role is to supervise a child or children in the water. Be sure to communicate clearly to other adults about the role of supervision and that they should find another adult to cover for you if leaving the water area to go to the restroom or take a break. Drownings can happen in seconds, with devastating results. Stay off the phone and be vigilant for any signs of trouble. Young children who do not yet know how to swim should always have a parent in the pool or ocean with them. Flotation arm devices are not encouraged to use as they may give a false sense of security to infants and toddlers. Approved life jackets are best for those who do not yet know how to swim. Sign up for swimming lessons to foster a love of the water while encouraging safety. And remember to always swim with a buddy. 

2. Sunscreen—Who does not like showing off a tan as a sign of summer fun? Just do not forget to apply sunscreen to prevent skin damage from harmful UVA and UVB rays, which are two types of ultraviolet radiation from the sun. UVA rays are responsible for premature skin aging and wrinkles, and some types of skin cancer. UVB rays are responsible for causing sunburn and skin cancer, including malignant melanoma. An easy way to remember which ray causes what type of harm is as simple as ABC… UV “A” for aging of skin, and UV “B” for burn and cancer. Take care of your skin by applying a broad-spectrum UVA and UVB sunscreen with a sun protection factor (SPF) of 30 or higher that covers both UVA and UVB rays. Did you know that mineral or zinc oxide-based sunscreens are preferred over other versions to avoid chemicals that may be harmful from absorbing into the skin? The key to preventing sun damage is to reapply sunscreen every two hours, and more frequently if swimming or sweating a lot. Also remember to apply sunscreen on the tops of your feet and wear a hat to protect your scalp from sunburn as well.  

3. Dehydration—While soaking up the sun is fun, it can also lead to dehydration very quickly. Sometimes we forget to drink water while out and about. Did you know that as temperatures rise, so does the risk of heat stroke and dehydration? Some symptoms may include increased thirst, dizziness, headache, nausea, vomiting, confusion, low energy, dark urine, and dangerously high body temperature. We sweat to reduce body heat and feel cooler as sweat evaporates. Excessive sweating can lead to loss of fluids and electrolytes, resulting in dehydration, if these losses are not replaced. Dehydration can be avoided by drinking water or electrolyte drinks regularly to counter the water and electrolytes lost through sweating. Be sure to pack plenty of water in reusable stainless-steel bottles and refill as you go to stay cool and hydrated. Plastic bottles can melt in the sun, causing harmful chemicals to be released into your water. Aim for six to eight ounces of water spread out over each hour that you are outside in the heat. It’s also important to listen to your body and take breaks and seek care immediately if you feel unwell.  

4. Helmet use—Riding bicycles and scooters are staples of summer fun. Did you know that more than 130,000 bicycle riders are injured every year in the U. S. and almost 1,000 cyclists die annually according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Play it safe and always wear a helmet to prevent head injury and possibly even death resulting from a crash. No matter how experienced a biker you are, it is a wise choice to prevent a skull fracture or bleeding in the brain from falling off a bicycle, even at a slow speed. The type of bicycle helmet you use also matters. Be sure to use a helmet that meets safety standards and offers a multi-direction impact protection system (MIPS), found on the helmet retail packaging, which offers additional protection.  

5. Tick bites—Warm weather encourages more trips and treks outdoors, spending time in nature, including hiking, camping, and visiting parks. These activities can expose you to harmful tick bites. Some tick bites can lead to Lyme disease. The key to preventing tick bites is to protect your skin from exposure with long sleeves and long pants, tuck your pants into your socks, use an insect repellent, and avoid brushing up against shrubs, leaves or tall grass where ticks may live. Try to stay on a footpath. Did you know a tick can remain attached to the skin for up to two weeks, getting noticeably larger as time passes, as they get engorged with blood? It is best to check yourself and little ones from head to toe after spending time outdoors for ticks on the skin. If you notice a tick attached, it is advised to remove it with a fine tip tweezer as close to the skin as possible, in a steady upward manner without twisting or breaking off any part of the tick. Consult with your doctor as soon as possible, who will help determine if treatment is needed, ideally within the first two days of finding a tick. 

By keeping these precautions in mind as you soak up the joy of summer, you can create lasting memories while protecting yourself and those you care about. Here’s to a fun, fulfilling, and safe summer for everyone in our community!