We want everyone to have an enjoyable summer - but a safe one too.

Summertime carries with it a real set of dangers if you do not follow practical and correct fire and road safety advice appropriate for this time of year.

A few simple precautions and a little extra care could keep you and your family safe and help prevent most fire and road dangers.

Here are our top tips for summer safety:

Respect the countryside

A flicked cigarette from a car window, a barbecue that sets fire to a hedge, or a bonfire left unattended could start a blaze that destroys acres of countryside, crops and wildlife.

When out in the countryside, always use bins that are provided, ensuring that BBQs and cigarettes are fully extinguished before disposing of them. Also remember to only use BBQs where signs say you can and when you are ready to leave, make sure to clear away all your rubbish, including all bottles, glasses, and any broken glass to avoid them magnifying the sun and starting a fire.

Be Water Aware

On a hot day, many of us may take a quick dip in the water to help cool us off, but there are a number of risks associated with entering the water.

No matter how calm the water might look it can have strong currents, cold temperatures, and hidden dangers. Always remember to enter the water slowly, rather than jumping in, to help yourself acclimatise and avoid cold water shock - even in summer the water can be very cold.

If you find yourself struggling in the water, the best advice to remember is ‘Float To Live’:

• Tilt your head back with ears submerged.
• Relax, breathe normally.
• Move your hands to help you float.
• Spread your arms and legs out.
• Once your breathing is controlled, call for help or swim to safety.

It could save your life.

Don’t drink and cook

Many will also be enjoying a few drinks out and about as well as at home in the garden during the lighter evenings – and I would urge that you avoid cooking after drinking, especially should you feel peckish after returning home after a night out!

The best way to kill off the hunger pangs but stay safe yourself is to get a takeaway or prepare a sandwich before you go out.”

Enjoy BBQs responsibly

BBQs can be enjoyable but you need to keep safety in mind when cooking outdoors – never leave your BBQ unattended, keep them well away from children, pets and flammable materials, don’t drink and cook and make sure that you dispose of the ashes safely.

Following these simple safety tips can help to keep yourselves, your families and your communities safe over the summer.

Summer Safety

(Mae hon yn lyfryn dwyieithog gyda'r fersiwn Cymraeg ar ffurf PDF ar gael ar y wefan Gymraeg /

This is a bilingual booklet with the Welsh version in PDF format available on our Welsh website)