Summertime is here! For children and young people, this means the chance to have fun by doing a host of different activities but for parents, carers, club leaders and other adults this means being extra alert to keep children and young people safe from harm.

The Safe Network provides some key safety tips for when doing a variety of summer activities.




At the beach

In a garden

At the park or playground

Visiting amusement or theme parks

Visiting farms or animal parks

Going to the swimming pool

Before you go
Make sure children and young people know what to do if they are in trouble or if they get separated from the group – and advise them never to talk to strangers.

At the beach

• Read and take in the safety information signs. These will help you avoid potential dangers and inform you of the safest areas to swim or play 
• If you are going to swim, pay special attention to the information about coloured flags
• The tides can be dangerous, so check this before setting up on the beach or going into the sea. Check with the lifeguard on patrol if you’re unsure
• Only use inflatables on a beach that’s patrolled by life-guards. Make sure children’s inflatables are secured with a guide line and held by a responsible adult
• Take extra care around slippery rocks, cliff drops, harbour walls, piers and rock pools
• Don’t forget about sun protection.  Ensure children and young people have access to high factor sun cream, sunglasses, a t-shirt and hat, a beach umbrella and a cool drink

In a garden

• Make sure the garden is secure and that children and young people can’t escape.  Keep gates securely closed and check that fences or hedges surrounding the garden have no gaps
• Children should be accompanied by an adult when playing in a paddling pool. Remember to empty the pool after use
• Lock away garden tools, electrical garden equipment and chemicals (such as weedkiller) in a secure area
• Fence off garden ponds or cover with safety material
• Ensure children and young people are kept a safe distance from barbeques and bonfires. Once they go out they still remain hot for some time

At the park or playground

• Choose a playground with an impact absorbing surface (like rubber or bark chips) which will reduce the severity of any injuries if a child falls
• Avoid old, worn, rusty equipment
• Supervise children when they are on climbing equipment, swings, etc
• Advise children not to wander off, especially is there is a road or pond nearby. It’s always better to use a fenced playground, if possible
• Check for litter, sharp objects and broken glass around the play area

Visiting amusement or theme parks    

• Put together a backpack of supplies to take with you.  This could include sun cream, hats, sunglasses, snacks, water, a first aid kit and medication if required
• If you let older children go off exploring, arrange a times and a meeting place to check in with them regularly
• Read safety warning signs before putting children on any rides or equipment
• Always use the safety equipment on rides properly.  This may include seat belts, shoulder harnesses, lap bars and chains
• Ensure children and young people are supervised by a responsible adult when getting on and off the rides or equipment

 Visiting farms or animal parks

• Always approach the animals from the front.  You may startle the animal if you approach from the rear
• Ensure the children know they must only feed the animals with food supplied by the farm or zoo and follow instructions given
• Offer food with a flat palm to avoid fingers being bitten
• Wash your hands frequently after touching the animals. This is a must before eating or drinking
• Don’t touch any farm equipment or machinery unless you have been shown how to use it and have permission

 Going to the swimming pool

• Read the safety information before entering the pool area for information about risks, rules and first aid
• Teach water safety procedures to the children and young people you’re with, such as no running around, don’t push others, don’t jump or dive in shallow water and don’t dunk other people
• Don’t leave small children unsupervised around the pool
• Hot tubs, spas, saunas and solariums are extremely hot.  Don’t let children or young people go into them
• Don’t enter the pool when cleaning is in process