Enjoying Summer Safely

Senate Republicans want to remind Hoosiers of a few tips to keep in mind this summer to ensure safety while enjoying the fun that comes with warmer weather and time off from school and work.

June is National Safety Month, which serves to raise awareness about preventable injuries and focuses on improving safe behaviors and practices.

This week, June 1-7, is CPR and AED Awareness Week, highlighting how lives can be saved if more Americans know CPR and how to use an AED. Every second counts in an emergency, and as a bystander it is important to know the basics of doing CPR and using an AED. As the temperatures start to rise, look out for others and step in to help when needed. For more information about CPR and AEDs, click here.

While summer in Indiana brings excellent weather for pool and lake days, it's important to maintain safety while enjoying the fun. Water safety is important especially with children present. Here are four simple steps to help keep kids safe around the water:

• Designate a responsible adult to supervise children closely and constantly.
• Stay close, as drowning can happen in just 30 seconds.
• Only use U.S. Coast Guard approved life jackets and, skip the floaties.
• Install a fence around pools.

To ensure you are ready to spend time on the boat, review the Indiana Boating Safety Handbook, which discusses our state's boating laws and provides information about how to safely operate a boat.

As the warmer weather increases, so does the amount of time Hoosiers are spending outside. Here are three sun safety tips to remember this summer:

• Always have water to stay hydrated, especially in extreme heat.
• Wear sunscreen with at least 30 SFP, reapplying every two hours if you are swimming.
• Take advantage of shade and wear protective clothing.

Indiana offers plenty of summer fun, and Senate Republicans encourage everyone to keep these tips in mind while enjoying summer.