From rising temperatures and stronger sun exposure to pool time, road trips, outdoor play, and less structured schedules, the summer months can bring increased risks if families are not prepared.

“Summer should be fun, but it also requires families to be more intentional about safety,” says Dr. Christopher Blank, Boys Town behavioral health psychologist. “A lot of the biggest risks this time of year are tied to everyday activities like swimming, sports, travel, and time outside, which is why it’s important for parents to plan ahead and keep safety top of mind.”

 Boys Town says one of the most important reminders for parents is that summer safety is not just one conversation. It includes everything from sun protection and hydration to supervision near water, travel safety, and helping kids understand expectations before activities begin.

“Parents often think of summer safety in pieces, but these risks tend to overlap,” says Blank. “A child may be in the sun too long, get dehydrated, become distracted around water, or be more vulnerable during travel and outdoor activities. It is all connected.”

Boys Town encourages parents and caregivers to practice these summer safety habits:

• Create a safety plan before the activity begins: Before heading to the pool, park, lake, sports practice, or family outing, talk with children about expectations. Point out where they can and cannot go, who they should check in with, and what to do if they feel unsafe, overheated or separated from the group.
•  Make water supervision active, not assumed: When children are near water, designate one adult to watch closely and avoid distractions like phones, long conversations, or stepping away “just for a minute.” Parents should never assume another adult is watching. Use life jackets when appropriate, especially around lakes, boats, or unfamiliar water.

• Build hydration and shade breaks into the day: Do not wait until a child says they are thirsty or tired. Encourage water breaks before, during, and after outdoor play, sports, or events. Schedule breaks in the shade or air conditioning, especially during the hottest parts of the day.

• Protect against sun exposure early and often: Use sunscreen, hats, sunglasses, and lightweight protective clothing during outdoor activities. Whenever possible, limit direct sun exposure during peak hours between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m., and look for shaded areas during longer outings.

• Talk with teens about road safety before Summer plans pick up: Summer often means more driving, more passengers, and more late-night outings for teens. Parents should set clear expectations around seat belts, speeding, phones, passengers, and checking in before leaving one location for another.

“Simple steps can go a long way,” says Blank. “The goal is not to make summer feel stressful. It is to help families enjoy it safely by building good habits before something goes wrong.”