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Summer has arrived in Canada! Backyard lounging or trips to the beach – make the most of warm days and sunny afternoons by staying safe this summer.

Check out our list of ways you and your family can stay safe while still having a fun-filled summer:

Water Activities – Keep backyard pool gates locked (at all times) and pool chemicals out of reach from children. Ensure all children are wearing properly fitted life jackets when around water, even if they do not plan on swimming. This implies a pool, a boat or a dock. Review water safety and pool rules to ensure everyone has a safe afternoon cooling off.

Gassing Up – Whether it be for boats or lawnmowers, keep gasoline containers tightly sealed, 50 feet away from all potential fire hazards and heat sources. Store proper containers.

Burgers and Barbeques – Keep your barbecue no more than 10 feet from your home and never use it indoors. If using a gas grill, never turn on the gas with the lid closed – gas can build up and possibly cause an explosion. Avoid using wire grill brushes for grill cleaning, the small wires have been found to break off and end up in food. Check for leaks from the propane tanks and tubing.

Bugs Away – Unfortunately many insects carry disease. Avoid illness and anaphylactic emergencies this summer by wearing insect repellent – day and night. You can check your local area to see when different types of bugs are in season. If your area is prone to damp conditions that promote mosquito populations, perhaps consider spraying or fogging the area to reduce the risk of bites.

Celebrate with Fireworks – Before buying or setting off fireworks, ensure that you are permitted to do so for the chosen location with your municipality. A bucket of water or sand along with a hose is best practice should there be an emergency with any of the fireworks products. Remember – only light fireworks once. If they do not ignite properly on the first attempt, safely dispose of them.

Sun Shiny Days – Protect yourself and your loved ones from UVA and UVB rays by wearing broad-spectrum sunscreen of at least 30SPF, sun shirts, hats and sunglasses. Avoid heatstroke and heat exhaustion by taking breaks from being in the sun, drinking plenty of water and wearing sun protection.

Backyard Fires and Cookouts – Ensure that you are permitted to have an open flame fire in your area. Check with your local municipal regulations. Have access to enough water to put out the fire completely before leaving the site or tucking in for the evening. Do not have fires under the cover of trees. Keep your distance, flying ambers can light fabric on fire.

Everyone wants an enjoyable and safe summer. Being prepared for an emergency during summer fun, just makes sense. Rely on WINMAR® for Summer Safe Tips!