Summer safety tips Published June 30, 2010 72nd Air Base Wing Safety Office TINKER AIR FORCE BASE, Okla. -- It's that time of year again. School's out, vacations are in. Here are some safety tips to help keep your summer safe: Sun Sunscreen should be applied 30 minutes before going outdoors and reapplied at least every two hours. Use water-resistant sunscreen with a sun protection factor of 15 or higher. Water · Learn to swim and never swim alone · Swim near a lifeguard. Follow any directions they give to swimmers. · Supervise children closely, even when lifeguards are present · Don't rely on floatation devices such as rafts. You may lose them in the water. · Alcohol and swimming don't mix · No glass containers -- broken glass and bare feet don't play well together · Protect your head, neck and spine. Don't dive into unfamiliar waters -- feet first, first time. · If you are in trouble, call or wave for help · Swim parallel to shore if you wish to swim long distances · If caught in a rip current, swim sideways until free. Don't swim against the current's pull. · Scuba dive only if trained and certified -- and within the limits of your training Heat When it's hot outside, reduce strenuous activities or do them during early mornings and evenings when it's cooler. If you're outside for long stretches of time, carry a water bottle, drink fluids regularly and don't push your limits. People who play sports should wear light, loose-fitting clothes and drink water or sports drinks before, during and after activity. If you see someone experiencing heat illness, have the person lie down in a cool place and elevate the legs. Use water, wet towels and fanning to help cool the person down until emergency help comes. Food Never leave food out for more than one hour when the temperature is above 90 degrees. Any other time, don't leave food out for more than two hours. Keep hot food hot and cold food cold. When packing for a picnic, place cold food in a cooler with plenty of ice or commercial freezing gels. Cold food should be held at or below 40 degrees and the cooler should be stored in shade. Hot food should be wrapped well, placed in an insulated container, and kept at or above 140 degrees. Keep the above safety tips in mind through the summer months and have a safe and fun-filled summer.