Labor Day is a time to get outside and enjoy the last bit of summer before fall arrives. But this year's outdoor fun has been different due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. Follow the tips below to help keep your activities fun and safe.

 

Now that communities are reopening, know what precautions to take in public settings.

• Keep at least 6 feet between yourself and others.

• Wear cloth face coverings, especially in crowded areas. Do not place them on children under age 2.

• Help limit your risk by taking steps to reduce the number of places you go and your exposure to other people.

• Order food and other items for home delivery or curbside pickup, if possible.

• Visit the grocery store and other stores in person only when necessary.

• Stay at home if you are sick

 

A DIFFERENT KIND OF WATER SAFETY

Many public pools may still be closed for Labor Day, follow the guidance of state and local officials. Make sure the area is designated for swimming. Once there, maintain social distancing, both in and out of the water, between you and people who don’t live with you. If you don’t think your child can do this, come up with another activity.

• Wear face coverings on land, especially when physical social distancing is difficult. Do not wear them in the water as it may be difficult to breathe.

• Don’t share goggles, nose clips, snorkels or other personal items.

• A kiddie or inflatable pool can be a great way to have fun, but be sure to provide constant supervision to children in and around the water.

 

BE WATER SMART

Have swimming skills and know how to help others. Achieve the skills of water competency: be able to enter the water, get a breath, stay afloat, change position, swim a distance and then get out of the water safely.

• Download the Red Cross Swim App and take our new free Water Safety for Parents and Caregivers online course.

• Around the pool, have young children or inexperienced swimmers wear U.S. Coast Guard-approved life jackets around water, but do not rely on life jackets alone.

• Don’t swim alone and only swim in designated areas supervised by lifeguards.

• In the event of an emergency, reach or throw an object to the person in trouble. Don’t go in! You could become a victim yourself.

• Constantly supervise children around water and avoid distractions. If you have a pool, secure it with appropriate barriers.

• In group situations, designate a water watcher whose sole responsibility it is to oversee the activity in the water.

• If a child is missing, check the water first. Seconds count in preventing death or disability

 

GRILLING SAFETY

Labor Day is a popular time for grilling family meals at home - yet grilling fires spark more than 10,000 home fires on average each year. To avoid this:

• Always supervise a barbecue grill when in use and don’t add charcoal starter fluid when coals have already been ignited.

• Never grill indoors - not in the house, camper, tent or any enclosed area.

• Make sure everyone, including children and pets, stay away from the grill.

• Keep the grill away from the house or anything that could catch fire. 

• Use the long-handled tools especially made for cooking on the grill.

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Safety tips courtesy of The American Red Cross