“And I leave the children the long, long days (of Summer) to be merry in a thousand ways,
And the Night, and the Moon and the trail of the Milky Way
to wonder at …
~ Williston Fish, “A Last Will,” 1898

Last week, I shared my childhood memories of summer in the foothills. Yes, it really was a carefree and wonderful time. Over the years, the weather hasn’t changed much. And family vacations and kids playing outside until after dark still happen. All good …

Looking back at last week’s column, we really lived on “the wild side,” unaware of the potential dangers of summertime! Sunscreen had not been invented, bicycle helmets were non-existent and water bottles were for hamster cages (kids used garden hoses). Having free run of the neighborhood – barefoot no less! – was “a given” during the 1960s but, as the saying goes, “ignorance is bliss.” In our case, the lack of knowledge of a potentially dangerous situation allowed us to experience it with complete abandon.

Times change, sometimes for the better. Summer hazards were revealed and children’s health and safety were re-examined. Products, easily incorporated into the summer day, can now protect against the dangers of summer. I didn’t think it  possible, but summer can be even more fun! Just add the following:

A Few Tips for a Safe Summer*

• Adult supervision at the pool. [This] includes baby pools, lakes, rivers and at the beach.

• Sunscreen is a must with UVA and UVB protection. The SPF should be at least 15.

• Whenever “on wheels,” a helmet must be worn. Adults, too!

• Stay hydrated. Water bottles and hoses both contain H2O.

• Caution – summer meals. Watch kids around grills and open fires. Keep food refrigerated until ready to eat.

• Shoes or sandals protect against potential injuries and insect bites.

*recommended by the American Academy of Pediatrics and Dermatology, and the CDC

With these in mind, fair skies and a warming trend are the dominate weather features through Sunday. Highs in 90s and lows in the upper 60s are forecast. On Monday a marine layer will cool things down a bit, for now anyway.

Gone are those days spent laying in sun for hours, slathered in cocoa butter  while listening to the transistor radio. But the sounds of The Beatles, Neil Diamond and Elton John live on …

Sue Kilpatrick is a
Crescenta Valley resident and
Official Skywarn Spotter for the
National Weather Service. Reach her at  suelkilpatrick@gmail.com.

  Sue KILPARTRICK