Enjoy a safe summer. With our tips, nothing will spoil it!

Summer is in full swing, and we're all enjoying plenty of time outdoors with our children, whether by the water or on family trips. However, doctors and rescue workers would tell you that summer fun also comes with certain risks.

By following just a few simple rules, you can greatly reduce the chance of unpleasant incidents.

LET THE SUN BE YOUR FRIEND

We all need sunshine, but it's important to enjoy it wisely.

• Avoid direct sunlight between 11 a.m. and 3 p.m.
• Remember to drink plenty of fluids throughout the day.
• Children especially should always have their heads protected.
• Always choose sunscreen with SPF 50 for children.
• Reapply sunscreen after swimming, even if it is water-resistant.
• Choose sunscreens with trusted certifications such as EcoCert Organic Cosmetic, COSMOS Organic, BDIH.
• To avoid constantly interrupting your children's fun in the water to reapply sunscreen, consider UV-protective swimwear or a UV-protection swim shirt.

SUMMER MEANS WATER FUN

We all know that children who can't swim should never be left unattended in the water and that diving into unknown water is dangerous. However, there are other important safety rules that parents often forget.

• An inflatable swim ring is not a safety device.
• Always keep an eye on your children. A drowning person usually doesn't splash around or shout for help.
• Teach children the basic rule of jumping into a pool – no one should be in the landing area.
• Sea currents can be especially dangerous. Never allow children to swim far from shore alone, even if they are strong swimmers. Even relaxing on an inflatable mattress or paddleboard can quickly become risky.
• Home swimming pools and garden ponds can also be dangerous, especially when nobody is swimming. Always make sure children cannot access them. A pool cover alone is not sufficient protection.

Going kayaking or canoeing?

• Children should always wear a properly fastened life jacket.
• Don't overestimate your paddling skills. Never attempt to navigate a weir unless you're absolutely sure it's safe, even if your children beg you to.
• Respect all signs prohibiting passage over weirs.
• Never swim below weirs and don't allow children to cross them.

Do you know how to stay safe in the water? Teach your children to float on their backs with their arms stretched above their heads.

DON'T GIVE TICKS A CHANCE

Ticks are most commonly found in tall grass, but they can also be present in city parks and gardens.

As soon as you return from outdoors, carefully check yourself and your children for ticks, even several times a day. Don't forget to inspect between the toes, behind the ears, in the groin, and under the arms.

Carry tweezers and disinfectant with you on trips. The sooner you remove a tick, the lower the risk of infection.

If you find a tick on your child, make a note of when and where it attached. You can write it down on a note and keep it in your child's vaccination record. This information may prove useful even much later.

Ticks dislike strong scents. How can you repel them naturally?

• eat garlic or take a vitamin B complex supplement
• carry cloves or fennel seeds in your pocket or a small fabric pouch
• make a natural insect repellent that can be used frequently and applied directly to the skin
• ticks also dislike tea tree oil

Did you know that ticks are a favourite food of ants? If you're planning to relax on a blanket in the forest or a meadow, have a look around for an anthill. If you find one, you're in luck! Within a radius of up to 20 metres, the chance of encountering a tick is very low.

JUMP SAFELY

Children love trampolines. Doctors, however, don't share their enthusiasm—and for good reason. Trampolines are responsible for many serious injuries. To help prevent them, follow these rules:

• Always keep the trampoline safety net closed.
• Ideally, no more than two children should use the trampoline at the same time, depending on its size. It is especially risky when children of very different ages jump together.
• A child lying down while others are jumping nearby is at high risk of injury.
• Children should never use the trampoline with sweets or chewing gum in their mouths, or while wearing large necklaces, keychains, or similar accessories.
• You may not realize it, but jumping off the trampoline instead of using the ladder can also be dangerous. After several minutes of bouncing on a flexible surface, a child may not expect the impact of landing on solid ground.

Are you looking forward to longer family trips during the holidays, perhaps a mountain hike or a cycling adventure? Don't forget that fatigue and exhaustion are common causes of accidents. When we're tired, we lose concentration and our coordination suffers. Don't overestimate your children's abilities, allow plenty of time for breaks, and pack energy-rich snacks. Although we usually try to avoid too much sugar, an energy bar can be a real lifesaver on a long trip.

Are you worried your little explorer might wander off and get lost? It can happen, especially in crowded places. The best solution is for your child to carry contact information so that anyone who finds them can easily reach you. Our Contact Stickers are perfect for this—you can stick them on a backpack or even on clothing. If your child has any important medical conditions or allergies, our Medical Stickers help communicate this information quickly in an emergency.

We wish you a wonderful summer full of fun, unforgettable experiences, and above all, safe adventures!

Your Mama Labels team