With summer underway, the Plymouth Public Safety Department offers 10 tips to help families keep children safe, and prevent accidents and injuries.

1. Pay full attention when children are near the water. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, drowning is the leading cause of unintentional injury related death for children ages 1-4, and the second leading cause of unintentional injury related death for children 1-14. Drowning is often described as “silent,” because there is often little splashing and no waving or yelling. Never let children swim alone, and consider enrolling in swimming lessons.
2. Look for signs of heat exhaustion. Cases of heat stroke can be life threatening. If a child experiences symptoms such as clammy skin, dizziness, nausea, vomiting, confusion, weakness, muscle cramps and extreme thirst, bring them to a cool area and have them drink cool water. Lay them down and elevate their legs. Call 911 if the child remains lethargic or unresponsive. 
3. Keep kids hydrated. Children are more prone to dehydration than adults. Ensure children drink plenty of water during the day, especially while playing or spending time outdoors. 
4. Establish a “grill safe” zone. Never let children play around grills. Briquettes and ashes can remain hot up to 48 hours after grilling. Propane grills also remain very hot after they are used.
5. Protect skin from the sun. When outdoors, apply sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher. Reapply every three hours or immediately after being in the water. When possible, dress children in sun-protective clothing.
6. Avoid bug bites. Mosquitos can spread viruses and illnesses. Defend against bites by applying insect repellant. To discourage mosquito breeding, remove objects that provide sources of standing water, such as buckets, pots and tires. 
7. Vehicle safety for everyone. Make sure that everyone buckles up. Car seats should be properly installed and appropriately adjusted for weight and height. Never leave a child or pet unattended in a vehicle.
8. Enjoy fireworks safely. Fireworks can be extremely dangerous. Supervise children at all times around any use of fireworks. Alternatively, use glow sticks instead of fireworks. 
9. Children must wear life jacket on boats. Weak swimmers or non-swimmers should wear life jackets in lakes, swimming pools and any other body of water. Choose a Coast Guard-approved life jacket – don’t rely on water wings or other inflatable devices.
10. Bike, rollerblade and scooter safely. Children should wear helmets when on bikes, trikes, rollerblades, scooters, skateboards, etc. Helmets should be worn over the forehead and the straps should form a “V” under and slightly in front of the ears. The chin strap should be snugly tightened so that no more than one or two fingers fit under the strap.