Summer first aid safety tips

Here are our top tips on making sure you and your little ones stay safe over the summer, whether you’re at home or out and about.

Summer holidays and days out are great fun for families and the perfect way for your little one to explore the world around them.

To help you stay safe over the summer months, we’ve put together a list of first aid tips – whether you’re at a pool, beach or BBQ!

Swimming and paddling pools

Take the time to learn first aid so in the unlikely case anything does happen, you will feel confident you know what to do.

Find your nearest Baby First Aid course.

  • Whenever your baby or toddler is in or around the swimming pool make sure they are within arm’s reach.
  • Always give them your undivided attention as small children can drown in as little as one inch of water.
  • If you’re using an inflatable pool in your garden, remember to empty it immediately after use. Store them upside down and out of children’s reach.
  • Toddlers are usually fascinated by anything and everything so talk to them about drains and suction outlets, such as not getting too close or sticking fingers and toes in them!

Seaside

  • Make sure there’s always a responsible adult with your baby or child when they’re paddling or swimming in the sea. Toddlers can be knocked over by waves and can quickly drown – even in shallow water.
  • Take care when paddling with your little one, as the water can get deep very quickly.
  • Never turn your back to the sea if you’re swimming or splashing around with children, as this can prevent you from seeing bigger waves coming towards you.
  • If you see anyone in trouble at the beach, call 999 and ask for the Coastguard.

Learn more about safety at the seaside.

BBQs

  • Keep your BBQ at a safe distance from trees, bushes and anything else that may catch fire before lighting it.
  • Make sure your BBQ is placed on a flat surface so it stays in place once it’s lit.
  • Always stand back from a BBQ and keep children at a safe distance whilst it is in use.
  • To treat a burn, cool it under cold running water for at least 10 minutes. After the burn has been cooled, cover it with cling film or a clean plastic bag, call 999 if necessary.

Find out more about treating children’s burns and scalds.

Safety first

Our Baby First Aid courses, provided in partnership with Mini First Aid, cover how to help a baby or child with a burn. The course also covers how to help if a baby or child is unresponsive.

Find your nearest course.