Dear Supporter,

Kids do the craziest things, and I’m proof of it.

When I was eight, I was so excited about going swimming that I jumped right into a pool. There were just two problems: The first was that I had promised my aunt and uncle, whom I was visiting at the time, that I would wait for them – I didn’t. The second problem was that I didn’t know how to swim. Luckily a lifeguard was there to bail me out of the deep end. 

Now that summer is here, I hope your kids listen better than I did, but as a mother of three, I know these kinds of things happen to all of us. I just wanted to let you know you’re not alone.

Send us a crazy story about your kids and the water and we’ll print the best one in the next Ounce of Prevention.

Kate Carr
President and CEO
Safe Kids Worldwide

Fireworks: Not Such A Bright Idea

We know, fireworks are fun and young kids look adorable holding those sparklers. Unfortunately, little arms are too short to hold sparklers, which can heat up to 1,200 degrees. How about this: Let your young children use glow sticks instead. They can be just as fun but they don’t burn at a temperature hot enough to melt glass. Learn more.

A Splash Of Safety

We've pooled all of our water safety tips into one fabulous Water Safety Guide. But if you remember one thing about pool safety this summer, remember this: Close supervision is the number one thing we can all do to protect little ones around water. Enjoy this special time with your kids without distractions like cell phones or tablets. Learn more.

Be Cool: Don't Leave Your Child In A Hot Car

Children can sometimes sleep so peacefully you can forget they are even there. It seems impossible, but it can happen to anyone. Remind yourself to take your child with you at all times by placing your cell phone or a purse next to the child's car seat.  Learn more. 

We have more than 600 teams of Safe Kids professionals doing some pretty cool events that might be perfect for you.

Here are just a few examples.  

• Child Safety Class for Expectant Parents - Safe Kids Cascade County, MT: 7/2/2012. A great way to learn some of the basics.

• Baseline ImPACT Testing and Concussion Education Forum - Safe Kids Madison Area, WI:  7/14/2012. Believe it or not, this is fun for you and your kids.

• Safe Kids Swim Night - Safe Kids Central Wyoming: 7/18/2012.  Where else would you be when it's hot!

Where The Sidewalk Ends

Here in the United States, many of us take sidewalks for granted. But there are places around the world where children must compete with cars, trucks and motorcycles on their walks to school. Through the generous support of FedEx, Safe Kids Worldwide is working in 10 countries to create “safe school zones,” because every kid deserves a safe walk to school. Learn more.

Donate to Safe Kids and Have a Ball

Summer and water go together like cake and ice cream, so we want all kids to feel comfortable at the beach or pool. Please send us a $10 gift  to help us invest in community water safety programs. We'll send you a Summer Safety Kit plus a coloring book and beach ball. We know it’s the simple things that bring the best smiles.