Summer can be exciting for children-time off from school, summer camps and swimming. But those same summertime activities can pose some danger for children. What follows are suggestions for keeping your children safe all summer long. 

  Whether it's sunburn or heat exhaustion, too much time spent in the hot sun can be dangerous for children. Sunscreens with a sun protection factor (SPF) of 15 or more can provide some protection from sunburn, but long-sleeved shirts and pants, as well as hats with brims, are the best defense. Infants under 6 months old should be kept out of the sun. Sunscreen may irritate infants' skin, and their developing eyes are sensitive to the sun. Schedule children's outdoor activities for early morning or evening to avoid the sun's strongest rays between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m. 

  Teens who work outside as lifeguards or gardeners or who are involved in sporting activities should drink plenty of water. Dehydration combined with overexposure to heat can cause heat illness. 

  The backyard isn't usually a dangerous place, but household items like barbecue grills and lawnmowers can cause accidents. According to the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), more than 800 children are run over by riding mowers each year. Parents should keep children away from outdoor power equipment and never let them ride on mowers. If teens mow the lawn, instruct them on how to properly handle the equipment.

Outdoor grills should be treated with the same care as the kitchen stove. Keep children away from the grill and lighter fluid. If your grill has a burner on the side, turn the handles inward to avoid tipping accidents. 

  The CPSC estimates that each year in the United States, there are about 900 bicycle-related deaths and another one-half million bicycle-related injuries. Many of these injuries could have been reduced by using a bicycle helmet. However, the Centers for Disease Control estimates that only 15% of children wear helmets.

  Peer pressure influences many children into not wearing helmets. However, as a parent you have the control to set a no helmet, no riding rule. If children really want to ride, they'll put on the helmet. It also helps to start the habit early. As soon as your children start riding their bikes, or even their tricycles, a helmet should be part of the routine. Find a helmet that fits properly and meets testing standards.

  According to the CPSC, more than 375 children under 5 years old drown in pools each year nationwide. When taking your children to the pool, always follow these safety measures:

• Never leave children unsupervised. This includes older children and teens. It's never safe to swim alone. 
• Always accompany your toddler into the water. Never depend on floats, rafts or water wings.
• Learn CPR and emergency rescue techniques. 
• Keep a phone by the pool for emergencies.
• Make sure your children learn to swim. Contact your local American Red Cross for information about swimming lessons in your area. 

  If you have a backyard pool, cover the pool with a hard cover when not in use. Enclose the pool with a self-locking, self-closing fence that has openings no more than four inches wide. Keep furniture away from the fence to prevent small children from climbing over. Install an alarm on all doors leading from the house to the pool.

*Source:  The National Safe Kids Campaign Sports and Recreational Activity Injury Fact Sheet, National Safe Kids Campaign, September 1997.  

**Source:  Sports Parents Magazine, May 1998.