Summer Safe 2023
Summer Safe 2023 aims to ensure that West Lothian children and young people stay safe while having fun during the summer holiday period.
With friends
Children love to go and play with their friends. Make sure a family member knows where the children are going and when they will be back.
In the sun
Everyone needs some sun to help keep their bodies healthy, but overexposure to UV can lead to sunburn, premature ageing and skin cancer. Protect your eyes and skin by spending time in the shade when the sun is at its strongest (11am to 3pm in the UK), use sunglasses, wear a hat and apply sunscreen to exposed skin.
In your garden
Around your barbecue (BBQ) keep children, garden games and pets well away from the cooking area. Keep a bucket of water or sand nearby for emergencies. Avoid injury to children from sharp garden tools by keeping them in good repair and safely tidied away after use.
Around cars
Drivers should watch out for children playing. Be aware that you may have blind spots, where small children can be hidden from view. Young children and pets should never be left alone inside a vehicle, even when the engine is turned off.
Around water
Swimming in open water such as lochs, reservoirs, rivers and burns can hold hidden dangers such as extremely cold water, debris, and fast currents. Garden ponds can also hold dangers for very young children.
Key Sectors
A number of key public sector agencies are also sharing their advice for keeping safe over the summer period:
- Scottish Water - Stay safe around watercourses this summer (opens new window)
- Crimestoppers/Fearless Scotland - Fearless Scotland on Twitter (opens new window)
- Scottish Fire and Rescue Service - SFRS Summer Safety (opens new window)
