The air is beginning to pick up the smell of barbecue and the sun is sticking around just a little bit longer as the first day of summer approaches. Thursday, June 20, officially marks the beginning of this carefree season. While swimming, sunshine and cookouts make this season what it is, there are a few safety tips to keep in mind so your summer festivities run smoothly this year.

Heat safety

It wouldn’t be a South Carolina summer without the heat and humidity. This summer, especially, the National Weather Service Climate Prediction Center predicted higher than normal temperatures across the state. Children are especially at risk for heat illnesses because their bodies heat up rapidly, roughly three to five times faster than adults, according to the state Department of Health and Environmental Control. In preparation for the upcoming extreme heat, here are a couple suggestions from NWS so you and your family can stay cool this summer:

• Try to schedule strenuous activity around cooler parts of the day such as early mornings.

•  Wear proper clothing for the weather (lightweight, light-colored, loose-fitting, etc.).

• Drink water even if you’re not thirsty.

• Take advantage of air-conditioned spaces and portable fans.

• Minimize sun exposure.

• Do not take salt tablets unless directly instructed by a physician.

• Never leave a child in the car for any amount of time.

• Keep car doors locked to prevent children from entering on their own.

• Create habits which remind you that your child is riding in the car with you such as putting your phone in the back seat with them.

• Call 911 as soon as possible if you see a child locked and alone in a car

Sun safety

Along with heat, the sun poses a serious risk to people as they enjoy their outdoor summer activities. U.S. Environmental Protection Agency warns of sun-related side effects, from burns to more serious afflictions like skin cancer, cataracts and immune system suppression. It offers advice on how to protect your skin this summer while still enjoying the outdoor time you love:

• Avoid burning and tanning, whether by sunlight or tanning beds.

• Apply sunscreen 15 minutes before sun exposure, even on cloudy days.

• Reapply sunscreen every two hours while exposed to the sun.

• Stay in the shade when possible.

• Wear protective clothing such as hats, sunglasses, etc.

• Before going out, check the UV index so you can prepare appropriately

Water safety

While swimming is the perfect way to cool down and relax in the summertime, it also comes with serious dangers like drowning and infection. Whether you’re going for a swim at a pool, lake or in the ocean, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention would like you to keep these tips in mind before you or your children dive in:

• Consider swimming lessons for you and your children.

• Even in the presence of a lifeguard, always supervise your children while they swim.

• While supervising your child swimming, avoid distractions such as your phone, a book, alcohol, etc.

• Home swimming pools should be enclosed by fencing.

• “Floaties” are not guaranteed protection against drowning; life jackets approved by the U.S. Coast Guard are the most protective option.

• Use nose clips or hold your nose when jumping into or dunking your head into warm, fresh bodies of water to avoid amoeba infection

Bug safety

As much as we love the warm weather, so do the critters. To avoid these pesky creatures, American Red Cross encourages the use of insect repellent containing DEET. This chemical is the active ingredient in many repellent products and makes it harder for biting bugs to smell us, according to U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. The Red Cross also shares more on how to avoid bug-related discomfort and illnesses:

• Whenever you’re outdoors, wear insect repellent containing DEET.

• Avoid being outdoors during bug-active hours such as dusk and dawn, when possible.

• Tuck your long shirts into your pants and your pants into your socks.

• Avoid tall grasses and underbrush when walking in the woods by walking in the center of trails.

• Check yourself or have someone else check you for ticks and other bugs, especially in areas of the body with more hair.

• If you have pets, apply breed-specific bug repellent to them and check for bugs often.

Boating safety

Whether you’re chasing the ocean waves on your speed boat or kayaking down the Black River this summer, there are a couple of boating safety tips the National Safety Council wants you to know:

• Wear a life jacket no matter your swimming ability.

• Consider signing up for a National Association of Boating Law Administrators safety course.

• Check all the equipment is in place and working on the boat before heading out.

• Never drink alcohol while operating a boat.

• Get off the water as soon as possible if you notice rain or wind is on the way.

• Familiarize yourself with state boating laws.

• Educate yourself about carbon monoxide poisoning.