Summer Safety: Tips for Grilling and Swimming

Before you fire up the grill or cool off with a swim this summer, check out these safety tips.

Swimming Safety

Keep these safety tips in mind when you enjoy the state's beaches, lakes, rivers and pools:

Put down the phone and watch children at all times around pools and any body of water. Movies and TV often show a drowning child as flailing. But a drowning child is more likely to slip silently underwater. It can be easy to miss, until it's too late.
Keep pools secure. If you're not using the pool, close and lock or latch gates or doors. Never prop a gate or door open and do not remove or lock ladders when aboveground pools are not in use.
Know the water conditions. Look for potential hazards like:
- Strong currents
- Undertows
- Sudden changes in water depth
Stay out of the water if you are sick with diarrhea.

Stay safe during this beloved summer tradition with these tips:

Practice hand hygiene. Wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds before and after handling raw food or using the grill.
Separate raw and cooked food. Prevent the spread of bacteria by keeping raw meats, poultry and seafood separate from cooked foods and ready-to-eat items.
Cook food thoroughly. Use a food thermometer to ensure meats are cooked to the appropriate internal temperature. This eliminates any harmful bacteria.
Store leftovers properly. Refrigerate or freeze leftover food promptly to prevent bacterial growth. Consume or discard leftovers within three to four days.
Clean and sanitize. Thoroughly clean grill surfaces and utensils before and after each use. This helps to prevent cross-contamination and growth of harmful bacteria.