The kids are running around outside, and the smell of food sizzling on the grill drifts through the air. But before you cool off in the water or get ready for a delicious picnic, check out these safety tips so your fun-filled season doesn’t include a trip to the hospital emergency room or urgent care clinic.

Keep your cool and drink lots of water to avoid heat-related illness. Stay indoors as much as possible, wear loose-fitting, lightweight clothes; eat well-balanced, light meals; and avoid strenuous work during extreme heat.

Be water wise and teach your children to swim. Swim under lifeguard supervision and obey all rules at your local pool. At the lake, river or beach, swim only in designated areas. If you get caught in an ocean current, swim parallel to shore and wait for the current to lessen.

Bake a cake, not your skin. Try to limit sun exposure during peak times (generally 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.) and apply sunscreen at least 20 to 30 minutes before you hit the beach. Reapply every two hours. If you do have sunburn, try taking a cool bath or shower, applying aloe gel, or taking aspirin or ibuprofen to reduce inflammation. Severe reactions, which can include fever, chills, nausea or rash, may require medical attention.

Have fun throwing the ball, not throwing out your back. Before you start exercising to get in swimsuit shape, check with your doctor. Then make sure you have the right equipment, including properly fitting shoes. Start slowly to avoid overuse injuries and be sure to drink lots of water.

You can’t remove all risks, but by putting safety first and following a few simple steps, you can enjoy your summer and make lots of happy memories. And if an accident does happen, Cypress Fairbanks Urgent Care Center is available 7 days a week from 12 noon to 9 p.m. at 9110 Barker Cypress to get you and your family back on track for summer fun.