Backyard barbecues, long lazy days at the pool, trips to the beach, camping adventures—summers are made for relaxing outdoors (in between blasts of air conditioning, that is). And while summer should be all fun and games, there are some dangers that can come with the territory.

To make the most of the sun-speckled season, it’s helpful to take some precautions and protect yourself and your family from dangerous waters, sun damage, and overwhelming heat. We’ve created a summer safety checklist to help keep you safe through every adventure. Do a little prep now, and then let the relaxing begin!

Master water safety for the whole family

Three children die every day from drowning, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Drowning is a leading cause of death for children ages 1 to 4, second only to birth defects. And it can happen in the blink of an eye or at a turn of the back.

Enroll your children in swimming and water safety classes at an early age so you can feel assured that they can protect themselves in bodies of water, like pools, hot tubs, baths, the ocean, lakes, and rivers. Have older family members who never learned to swim yet love the water? It’s never too late for them to learn.

Protect your skin

Stock up on sunscreen (the CDC recommends a broad spectrum sunscreen with at least SPF 15), hats, protective clothing, and sunglasses, and remember to seek out the shade when you can. Too much ultraviolet radiation (from the sun, tanning beds, and sun lamps) can increase your risk for skin cancer, and can also cause damage to the skin, like wrinkles, spots, broken capillaries, and uneven texture. A little precaution can go a long way. And your older self may one day thank you for it! 

Learn the signs of heat stroke

Your risk for heat-related health problems increases as you age. Older adults, especially those with certain medical conditions, may be especially susceptible to something called “hyperthermia,” which occurs when the body can’t regulate its own temperature. Hyperthermia can include heat stress, heat fatigue, heat cramps, and heat stroke, which can be life-threatening.

According to the National Institute on Aging, signs and symptoms of heat stroke include an increase in body temperature (usually to above 104 degrees Fahrenheit); altered mental status, which could be confused or combative; a strong, rapid pulse; flushed skin; lack of sweating; feeling faint; staggering steps; or even a coma. Prompt medical attention is critical if you suspect someone is suffering from heat stroke. And if you yourself are experiencing what you believe to be the early signs of hyperthermia, move to a cool place, drink water, and rest immediately.

Keep that water bottle filled

Your body depends on water to function properly. It helps it to regulate your temperature, remove waste, and prevent hyperthermia. According to the American Academy of Family Physicians, there’s not necessarily a set amount of water you should aim to drink each day, because every person is different. A good goal is to simply drink water whenever you’re thirsty.

Carry a water bottle around with you so it’s available whenever you need a bit of hydration. Be sure to minimize how many sugary drinks and alcoholic drinks you consume, too: the CDC states that these drinks can actually cause you to lose even more body fluid. If you don’t like plain water, add a splash of citrus, or opt for herbal tea in your bottle instead.

Stay connected

It’s already been an interesting summer across the country as extreme temperatures and weather hit unexpected places. Check in with friends and family—especially those who are more vulnerable to heat-related conditions—to make sure they’re staying well. You could even plan on making your calls or emails from an air-conditioned room during the heat of the day to keep cool as you stay connected.

Get up to date on all of your health needs

Summer allows for a nice pause, as school ends and vacations begin. It’s also a good time to catch up on all of your medical appointments and health needs, like getting vaccines that can protect you from getting sick throughout the year. Spend some time setting up any and all appointments you’ve been putting off, so that when fall sets in, you’ll be off to a healthy start.