Summer Safety Starts Before You Head Outside

Boating is a favorite summer activity across Florida, but it also comes with serious responsibilities. In 2024, Florida reported nearly 700 boating accidents and 81 fatalities, reminding boaters that safety has always come first.

Whether you’re operating the boat or simply enjoying the ride, everyone on board should understand basic boating safety laws before heading out on the water.

Florida boating safety tips

Before leaving the dock, remember these important safety reminders:

• Children under the age of 6 must wear a U.S. Coast Guard-approved life jacket while on vessels less than 26 feet in length.
• Boat operators are subject to many of the same laws that apply to drivers on the road.
• In both Florida and Alabama, the legal blood alcohol concentration (BAC) limit for operating a boat is 0.08%. Operating a vessel while over the legal limit may result in a Boating Under the Influence (BUI) charge.
• Passengers should also act responsibly. An intoxicated occupant who creates a danger to themselves, the operator, or others on board may also face legal consequences.

A safe day on the water starts with preparation

Before launching your boat, make sure everyone knows where life jackets are stored, check the weather forecast, review local boating regulations, and designate a sober operator. Taking a few extra minutes to prepare can help prevent accidents as well as ensure everyone enjoys a safe day on Florida’s waterways.

Vacation rental safety tips

When you arrive at your rental, take a few minutes to inspect the property before unpacking. Pay close attention to:

• Loose or damaged railings on balconies and stairways.
• Broken steps, boards, or uneven walkways.
• Slippery surfaces around pools and patios.
• Damaged outdoor furniture or decks.
• Other obvious hazards that could cause someone to trip, slip, or fall.

If you notice a problem, take photos and notify the property owner or property manager immediately. Reporting hazards before an injury occurs not only helps protect your family but also produces documentation that may become important if an accident does happen

Who is responsible for an injury?

Not every injury at a vacation rental is the property owner’s responsibility. If an accident results from the actions of you or someone in your group, liability may be different than if the injury was caused by an unsafe condition on the property. Because every situation is unique, responsibility depends on the conditions surrounding the accident.

Taking a few minutes to inspect your rental when you arrive can help identify potential hazards and make your vacation safer from the very beginning.

Rip currents are one of the leading causes of weather-related deaths on Florida beaches. These fast-moving channels of water can quickly pull swimmers away from shore, making it important to recognize the warning signs before entering the water.

How can you identify a rip current?

Before you go swimming, take a few moments to look for conditions that may indicate a rip current, including:

• Darker patches of water.
• Foam, seaweed, or debris moving away from shore.
• A break in the normal wave pattern.
• Areas of choppy or turbulent water.

If you notice any of these signs, avoid entering the water in that area and pay attention to beach warning flags and lifeguard instructions.

What should you do if you’re caught in a rip current?

If you’re caught in a rip current, staying calm is critical. Panicking can quickly drain your energy and make it harder to escape.

Instead:

• Don’t try to swim directly back to shore against the current.
• Float or tread water if you need to conserve energy.
• Swim parallel to the shoreline until you’re out of the current.
• Once you’re free of the current, swim back to shore at an angle.
• If you can’t escape, continue floating, wave for help, and call out to a lifeguard or nearby swimmers.

Trying to fight a rip current by swimming straight toward the beach can quickly lead to exhaustion. Knowing how to recognize a rip current and remembering to swim parallel to shore can help you escape safely and enjoy a safer day at the beach.

Drowning is the leading cause of unintentional death for children ages 1 through 4 in Florida, and most of these tragedies occur in residential swimming pools. Whether you’re a homeowner, parent, grandparent, or babysitter, taking a few simple precautions can help prevent a devastating accident.

Pool safety tips for homeowners

If you own a swimming pool, routine maintenance and proper safety barriers are essential. To help reduce the risk of drowning:

• Ensure your pool is completely enclosed by a fence or other approved safety barrier.
• Frequently check fencing for loose or broken boards.
• Make sure gates are self-closing, self-latching, and securely locked.
• Consider installing pool alarms or alarms on doors leading to the pool area.
• Keep rescue equipment and a phone nearby in case of an emergency.

Pool safety tips for parents and caregivers

• If you’re watching children around a pool or any open water, active supervision serves as your best defense against drowning.
• Remember to:
• Never leave children unattended in or near the water.
• Make sure children cannot access the pool without adult supervision.
• Keep young children within arm’s reach while they are swimming.
• Avoid distractions like phones, reading, or conversations when supervising children.
• Designate one responsible adult to actively watch the water when multiple adults are present.

Who is most at risk?

While anyone can experience heat-related illness, certain groups are especially vulnerable, including:

• Young children.
• Older adults.
• People who work or exercise outdoors.
• Individuals having certain medical conditions.

Signs of heat stroke

Heat stroke is a medical emergency that requires immediate treatment. Warning signs may include:

• Heavy sweating or hot, dry skin.
• Dizziness or confusion.
• Nausea or vomiting.
• A body temperature of 104°F or higher.
• Loss of consciousness or seizures.

If you suspect someone is experiencing heat stroke, call 911 immediately. Prompt medical treatment may considerably improve the chances of a full recovery.

Preventing heat-related injuries

Many heat-related emergencies are preventable with a few simple habits:

• Drink plenty of water throughout the day, even if you don’t feel thirsty.
• Take breaks in the shade or air conditioning when spending time outdoors.
• Wear lightweight, light-colored clothing.
• Never leave a child or pet unattended in a vehicle, even for a few minutes.
• Keep your vehicle locked when it’s parked to prevent children from climbing inside unnoticed.
• Place an essential item, such as your purse, phone, or briefcase, next to your child or pet as a reminder to check the back seat before exiting your vehicle.

Before heading into the water, take a moment to check the beach warning flags. These flags provide important information about current surf conditions and can help you avoid dangerous situations before you ever step onto the sand.

You’ll typically find beach flags posted at beach entrances, lifeguard stations, and public beach access points. Many Florida beaches also publish current flag conditions online, allowing you to check the status before leaving home.

What do Florida’s beach flags mean?

Each color represents a different level of water safety:

• Green Flag: Low hazard. Calm conditions, but swimmers should always remain cautious.
• Yellow Flag: Moderate hazard. Exercise increased caution while swimming.
• Red Flag: High hazard. Strong surf and dangerous currents are present.
• Double Red Flags: The water is closed to the public. Entering the water is prohibited.
• Purple Flag: Dangerous marine life, such as jellyfish or stingrays, has been spotted in the area.

Check the flags before you swim

Water conditions can change throughout the day, even if the weather appears calm. Before entering the Gulf or ocean, look for the posted warning flags and pay attention to instructions from lifeguards. Checking beach conditions before you leave home and again when you arrive is one of the easiest ways to help keep your family safe during a day at the beach.

Summer is filled with playdates, neighborhood gatherings, and afternoons at the park. While children need opportunities to play and explore, adults should take a few moments to make sure the environment is safe before the fun begins.

If you’re watching someone else’s child, your responsibilities may extend beyond simply being present. While every situation is different, failing to provide reasonable supervision or allowing children to play in an unsafe environment could result in legal responsibility if a preventable injury occurs.

Playdate safety tips

Before children begin playing, take a few minutes to:

• Inspect playground equipment for broken, loose, or damaged parts.
• Make sure the equipment is appropriate for the children’s age and abilities.
• Look for potential hazards, such as exposed metal, sharp edges, or unsafe surfaces.
• Keep young children within sight at all times.
• Choose play areas that are well-maintained and free from obvious dangers.

A few minutes of prevention can make a big difference

Whether children are playing in your backyard, at a neighborhood park, or on a public playground, taking a few moments to inspect the area and provide active supervision can help prevent injuries. If an accident does occur, responsibility may depend on the circumstances, including whether the injury resulted from inadequate supervision, unsafe equipment, or a hazardous condition on the property. By prioritizing safety before play begins, you can help create a safer environment for every child.