Five Ways to Be a Summer Safety Superhero!

News provided by

U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission

May 17, 2016, 05:09 ET

WASHINGTON, May 17, 2016 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Summer is right around the corner and perhaps you're looking for ways to enjoy the outdoors. Whether it's taking a refreshing dip in a pool, getting that much needed exercise by riding a bike or simply opening a window to feel the warm breeze, safety should always come first. Be a "Summer Safety Superhero" by following these simple steps:

Pool Safely

Teach kids to swim or sign them up for swim lessons.
Install a four-sided fence around your pool
Learn CPR.
Be a "Water Watcher" and always watch kids in and around water.

CPSC estimates nearly 300 children younger than 5 fatally drown every year in swimming pools and spas.

Playground Safety

Install and maintain a shock-absorbing surface like wood chips, mulch or sand under play equipment.
Never attach any ropes, jump ropes, clothesline or pet leashes to play equipment
Make sure play equipment appears maintained and is not broken.

Each year, more than 200,000 children go to U.S. hospital emergency rooms with injuries associated with playground equipment.

Window Falls

Use window guards to keep kids from falling out.
Use window stops to prevent windows from opening more than 4 inches.
Move anything a child can climb on away from windows.

About 7 children die and thousands are injured in falls from windows each year.

Lawnmower Safety

Never carry children on riding mowers.
Only allow adults familiar with the instructions to operate the mower.
Back up carefully: Do not back the mower unless absolutely necessary. Always look down and behind before and while backing.

On average, 35,000 people are treated in hospital emergency rooms each year for injuries related to walk-behind power mowers and riding lawn mowers.

Helmet safety

Protect your head: wear a helmet every time you go for a bike ride.
Make sure your helmet fits flat, level and chin straps are snug, secure and form a V-shape over ears.
Look for a label or sticker that says the helmet meets the CPSC standard.

In 2013, there were more than 530,000 injuries associated with bicycles and accessories seen in US hospital emergency rooms.

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SOURCE U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission