The sea, rivers, lakes and swimming pools can be a fun way to cool down when the weather is hot, however, please make your family aware of the risks.

Showing off or daring friends to do something unsafe is not worth the risk.

If you end up in difficulty – remember ‘Float to Live’! To find out more, visit:

Float to Live - What to do in an emergency on the RNLI website.

Let’s keep everyone safe when swimming at the seaside or in water:

• keep young children at arm’s reach – drowning can still happen in shallow water or paddling pools
• don’t ignore warning or guidance signs
• only go in the water in areas with a lifeguard
• be aware that open water can be much colder than it looks and can lead to cold water shock
• get out of the water as soon as you start to feel cold
• never enter the water after any alcohol
• always swim parallel with the shore, not away from it
• always go swimming with someone else
• check swimming water quality using the Environment Agency’s online tool Swimfo.

Find out more

You can read more about water safety by visiting:

Summer water safety - Royal Life Saving Society
The Coast Code - East Riding Coast and Countryside

Babies, young children and older people are more likely to be unwell from hot weather because their bodies are less able to control their temperature. Always remember to:

• keep out of the sun at the hottest time of the day, between 11am and 3pm
• don’t forget a wide brimmed/floppy hat and sunglasses and seek shade when you can
• apply sunscreen generously and re-apply frequently, especially after swimming. This should be a sun protection factor (SPF) of at least 30, and 4 or 5 star ultraviolet A (UVA) protection
• drink plenty of fluids – water and diluted squash or milk are good choices (fruit juice/soft drinks can dehydrate the body). Dehydration symptoms can include dark, strong-smelling urine
• keep your home cool by closing windows and curtains in rooms that face the sun
• babies under 6 months old should be kept out of direct sunlight – use a parasol or sunshade
• do not cover your baby's pushchair or pram with a blanket or muslin, instead let the air flow – check on them regularly to make sure they are not overheated. This is also the case in stationary cars which can easily overheat
• know the symptoms of heat exhaustion – this can include feeling faint, a headache, muscle cramps and feeling or being sick
• if it develops into heatstroke this can include confusion, fast breathing or heartbeat, a seizure or fit and is classed as a medical emergency. Call 999 in this situation and try to cool the person down (drink cool water or a sports/rehydration drink, or eat cold and water rich foods like ice-lollies and apply cool water by spray or sponge to the skin).

Read more on the NHS website:

Heat exhaustion and heatstroke - NHS

Signs about hand washing before and after touching animals are there for a reason – please make sure that everyone follows this advice to keep safe from any germs or nasty bugs:

• try not to touch your face or put fingers (and thumbs!) in mouths when you are touching animals or fencing
• animals don’t need kisses or to be up close to children’s faces – keep a safe distance
• wash hands well with soap and warm water after touching animals, fences or other surfaces near animal areas
• wash hands well with soap and warm water before eating or drinking
• please don’t eat or drink while touching animals or walking round a farm or zoo – only eat and drink in picnic areas or cafés
• remember hand gels or wipes don’t remove E. coli or Cryptosporidium bacteria which can make someone poorly
• wash hands with soap and warm water if you can and make sure children wash their hands properly as it’s easy for them to get excited and forget the basics
• if someone in your family picks up an infection – which could include diarrhoea, stomach cramps or a fever, for advice call your local pharmacy, NHS 111, GP or visit the NHS website.

If anyone feels unwell within two weeks following a farm visit, contact your GP or call NHS 111 as soon as possible.

Before heading out into grassy or wooded areas, check out the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) guidance to help you and your family stay protected from ticks.

Ticks can be active all year round, but they are most active in the months April to July, and sometimes later in the autumn.

Lyme disease is a bacterial infection that can be spread to humans by infected ticks. It's usually easier to treat if it's diagnosed early. Find out more by visiting Lyme Disease - NHS.

Use insect repellent and regularly check clothing or exposed skin so that you can spot any crawling ticks and brush them off.

After spending time outside, it’s very important to check yourself, your clothing, your pets and others for ticks. Remove any attached tick as soon as you find it using a tick-removal tool or fine-tipped tweezers.

If you become unwell (for example with a spreading circular rash, flu-like symptoms, nerve pain or a droop on one or both sides of the face) within a few weeks of being bitten by a tick, contact your GP or call NHS 111.