It is that time of year again when we can take time to bask in the sunshine. We all enjoy spending time outdoors with our friends and family while looking for ways to cool off and relax. Here’s a comprehensive list of summer safety tips from the American Academy of Pediatrics, the National Library of Medicine and the American Red Cross to help keep you and your children safe this summer as you enjoy the outdoors.

Being a native Floridian, summer has always held a special place in my heart. Warm temperatures, trips to the beach, fishing with friends or just a relaxing day on the boat with my family filled my days as a child. However, as I write this, the Gulf Coast faces the unknown, yet potential devastating, effects from the BP oil spill. Summer for me has taken on a whole new meaning.