Summer fun and vacations! Many of you will be gathering with family and friends at the beach. All of us at Starr Insurance want these days to be safe and memorable for everyone.

The American Red Cross offers these tips not to overlook in your rush to enjoy the sand, sun and water.
1) Never swim alone—kids can drown in a foot of water.
2) Check surf conditions before you enter the water—look for the colored warning flags for troubling conditions.
3) If you’re caught in a current, gradually swim sideways to get out of it. Why not practice this with children? In a panicked situation, they won’t know what you’re yelling at them.
4) Wear sunscreen especially between 10:00 am and 4:00 pm. UV rating of at least 15. Prolonged exposure to UV rays leads to skin cancer.
5) Keep hydrated. Your body needs to be kept cool with plenty of water (not beer!).
6) Look out for signs of heat stroke: hot, red and dry skin, changes in consciousness, rapid, weak pulse and shallow breathing. Heat stroke can cause brain damage and is LIFE THREATENING.
7) Don’t forget about EYE and FOOT protection. The UV rays can hurt your eyes and the sand can burn your feet.

Much of this may seem obvious. But too often in our excitement to “just get there,” kids take a pass of safety. A great day of the beach can so quickly turn into a tragedy. Please be careful.