Summer is the perfect time to get outside, enjoy the garden and make the most of the longer days. However, spending more time outdoors also brings a few extra hazards around the home and garden that are easy to overlook. To help you navigate these risks, we have gathered some essential summer safety tips. With a few simple precautions, you can create a safer home and garden for your family.

 

Keep Windows Safe

On hot days, it's natural to open the windows to let in fresh air. However, open windows can quickly become a serious hazard for young children.

Toddlers are naturally curious, and their physical abilities develop surprisingly quickly. One day they may be crawling, and the next they're climbing onto toy boxes, sofas or chairs to get a better view outside. Young children also have a higher centre of gravity than adults because their heads are proportionally larger, making them more likely to topple forward if they lean out of a window.

To reduce the risk of falls:

• Fit window restrictors that limit openings to a maximum of 100mm.

• If you choose to fit locks, always store the keys in an easily accessible spot in case of a fire.

• Move beds, chairs, toy boxes and other climbable furniture away from windows.

• Never rely on insect screens to prevent falls.

• If you need to fully open a window, always supervise young children.

These simple changes can make your home much safer while still helping to keep it cool during warm weather.

 

Make Your Garden Safe for Play

The garden is a brilliant place for children to run, climb and explore, but it's important to take a few minutes to check for potential hazards before play begins.

Garden tools, chemicals and powered equipment can all look fascinating to young children who don't yet understand the dangers.

Before letting children play outside:

• Lock away garden tools after every use.

• Unplug lawnmowers, hedge trimmers and other electrical equipment before storing them safely.

• Keep fertilisers, weed killers and pesticides in their original containers and store them out of reach.

• Check for trip hazards, broken toys and sharp objects around the garden.

 

Pool Safety

When the weather heats up, many families spend more time around water in the garden. Whether it's a paddling pool, pond, hot tub or swimming pool, it's important to remember that water is one of the biggest risks for young children.

Babies and toddlers can drown in less than 3cm of water (ROSPA), and it can happen quickly and silently. That's why children should always be supervised whenever they are near water, no matter how shallow it seems.

 

Paddling pools

Paddling pools can provide hours of fun, but they should always be used safely.

To help keep children safe:

• Stay within arm's reach of babies and toddlers at all times and never leave children unattended, even for a moment.

• Set up the pool on flat ground away from sharp objects.

• Empty the pool immediately after use, then turn it upside down to prevent rainwater from collecting.

 

Garden ponds and water features

Ponds can be particularly attractive to curious toddlers.

If you have a pond in your garden:

• Install a secure fence or rigid metal grille over the water.

• Keep children under close supervision whenever they're outside.

• Consider filling in ponds or creating a child-safe barrier while your children are young.

 

Hot tubs and swimming pools

Hot tubs and swimming pools should never be left accessible when not in use.

If you have one at home:

• Always secure it with a safety cover.

• Install fencing with a self-closing gate where possible.

• Remove toys from the water after use so children aren't tempted to climb in.

• Never rely on inflatables or armbands instead of supervision.

Learning basic first aid and CPR can also help you respond quickly and confidently if an emergency ever happens. Make sure every adult supervising children knows what to do if someone gets into difficulty.

 

Stay Safe Around Barbecues and Fire Pits

Barbecues are a summer favourite, but they remain hot long after cooking has finished.

Children may not realise a barbecue or fire pit is still hot, especially once the flames have gone out.

To reduce the risk of burns:

• Create a child-free zone around barbecues and fire pits to help keep children away from hot cooking areas.

• Never leave lit barbecues unattended.

• Allow equipment to cool completely before moving or storing it.

• Dispose of disposable barbecues safely once they have cooled.

Even after the flames have gone out, fire pits can stay dangerously hot for many hours, sometimes until the following day. Make sure children understand that they should never touch or throw objects into a fire pit.

 

Sun and Heat Safety

Children can become overheated much more quickly than adults, especially on hot summer days.

Keeping them cool and protected from the sun helps reduce the risk of dehydration, heat exhaustion and sunburn.

During warm weather:

• Encourage children to play in the shade during the hottest part of the day, usually between 11am and 3pm.

• Apply broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30 and reapply it regularly.

• Dress children in lightweight clothing and a wide-brimmed hat.

• Offer plenty of water throughout the day, even if they don't say they're thirsty.

• Never leave a child alone in a parked car, even for a few minutes.

If your child becomes unusually sleepy, dizzy, irritable or develops a headache after being in the heat, move them somewhere cool, encourage them to drink water and seek medical advice if you're concerned.

 

Summer is all about making memories with your family. By thinking ahead and making a few simple safety checks around your home and garden, you can reduce everyday risks while giving your child the freedom to play, explore and enjoy the warmer months. No home can ever be completely risk-free, but being aware of common summer hazards can help you feel more prepared.

Frequently Asked Questions

How far should a window restrictor open?

Window restrictors should limit the opening to no more than 100mm (Health and Safety Executive). This helps prevent children from squeezing through while still allowing fresh air into your home.

 

Are paddling pools safe for toddlers?

Yes, as long as they are used safely. Children should always be supervised, even in shallow water, and paddling pools should be emptied immediately after use. Babies and toddlers should always stay within arm's reach of an adult.

 

How can I make my garden safer for young children?

Store garden tools and chemicals securely, check for trip hazards, supervise children around water and keep barbecues, fire pits and powered garden equipment out of reach. A quick safety check before children head outside can help prevent many common accidents.