Summer Safety: A Complete Guide to Keeping Children Safe in the Sun and Heat
Summer brings long days, outdoor adventures and endless opportunities for children to explore. Whether it’s a trip to the park, a day at the beach or simply playing in the garden, warm weather encourages families to spend more time outside. But with the sunshine comes a set of seasonal risks that can catch parents off guard, from sunburn and dehydration to heat exhaustion and hot‑car dangers.
This guide brings together practical, evidence‑based advice inspired by the Child Accident Prevention Trust (CAPT) and other trusted safety organisations. The aim is simple: help families enjoy summer confidently and safely.
🌞 Protect Children from Sunburn
Young skin is thinner, more delicate and burns far more quickly than adult skin. Even on cloudy days, up to 80% of UV rays can still reach the skin, meaning children can burn without direct sunshine.
Why sun protection matters
Sunburn in childhood significantly increases the risk of skin cancer later in life. Just a few blistering sunburns can double the risk. Prevention isn’t just about comfort, it’s about long‑term health.
Practical ways to protect children
-
Apply SPF 30+ broad‑spectrum sunscreen to all exposed skin. Broad‑spectrum means it protects against both UVA and UVB rays.
-
Reapply every two hours, and more often if swimming or sweating.
-
Keep babies under six months out of direct sunlight entirely, their skin is too sensitive for sunscreen.
-
Dress children in sun hats, long sleeves and UV‑protective swimwear.
-
Seek shade between 11am and 3pm, when UV levels are highest.
-
Use sunglasses with UV400 protection for older children to protect their eyes.
A helpful habit
Make sunscreen part of your morning routine, like brushing teeth, so protection becomes automatic.
💧Keep Children Hydrated in Hot Weather
Children lose fluids faster than adults, especially when running, climbing and playing outdoors. Dehydration can creep up quickly, and young children may not recognise thirst until they’re already dehydrated.
Signs of dehydration
-
Tiredness or unusual quietness
-
Headaches
-
Irritability or mood changes
-
Dry lips or mouth
-
Fewer wet nappies (for babies)
How to keep children hydrated
-
Offer water frequently, not just when they ask.
-
Pack extra drinks for days out, more than you think you’ll need.
-
Encourage children to take regular “water breaks” during active play.
-
Avoid sugary drinks, which can worsen dehydration and cause energy crashes.
-
Offer water‑rich snacks like watermelon, cucumber and oranges.
Tip for parents
If your child resists plain water, try reusable bottles with fun designs or add a slice of fruit for flavour.
🚗Never Leave a Child in a Hot Car
A parked car can become dangerously hot within minutes. Even with windows cracked open, temperatures inside can rise 20°C in just 10 minutes. Children’s bodies heat up three to five times faster than adults, making them extremely vulnerable.
Essential safety habits
-
Always take children with you, even for “just a minute”.
-
Keep car seats covered when parked so metal parts don’t heat up.
-
Place a personal item (like your bag or phone) in the back seat as a reminder.
A life‑saving rule
If you ever see a child alone in a hot car, call emergency services immediately.
🌤️Make Outdoor Play Safe
Summer is the perfect time for climbing frames, scooters, bikes and garden adventures. But heat and sun can make outdoor play riskier.
Keep outdoor play safe
-
Check playground equipment, metal slides and swings can become hot enough to burn skin.
-
Apply sunscreen before outdoor play and reapply during long sessions.
-
Encourage children to take breaks in the shade.
-
Keep hats on by choosing soft, comfortable styles with chin straps for younger children.
🌼 A Safe, Happy Summer
Summer should be full of fun, exploration and adventure. With a few simple precautions, you can help your child stay safe while enjoying every moment. Sun safety, hydration and awareness of heat risks are small habits that make a big difference.
About Aspire Foundation
Aspire Foundation is a Gloucestershire charity providing children and family centres (Family Hubs), family support services, and early years settings across the Cheltenham and Tewkesbury localities. We help families thrive through practical support, community activities, and services that promote children’s development and wellbeing.