Labor Day weekend marks the end of summer, when many families will make one last dash for fun. As you prepare for the long weekend, stay safe and continue to follow guidelines from the state and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention regarding COVID-19.

With many families heading to the pool, lake or beach, and still others staying close to home, follow these tips to keep you and your loved ones safe.

Whether it’s a pool, lake, river or beach, water safety should be top-of-mind. (Getty Images)

Pool and water safety

• Never swim alone. Drowning usually occurs very quickly and silently. An adult who swims well should be within an arm’s reach of infants, toddlers and weaker swimmers at all times.
• Everyone, particularly children, should wear a life jacket when on a boat or in open water.
• Enter shallow water feet first. Never dive into water less than 9 feet deep.
• The area around pools can be slippery, so walk slowly.
• Don’t read, text or talk on the phone when children are in the water.

A boat is no place to let your guard down. (Getty Images)

Boating safety

• Always stay aware of your surroundings.
• Keep your eye on the sky. Storms come up quickly on the water. Watch for changes in temperature and shifts in wind patterns.
• Do not drink alcohol and operate a boat. In recent years, one in four boating deaths were alcohol-related.

Sun safety

Sunburns and other over-exposure can ruin a holiday weekend. (Getty Images)

• Apply sunscreen with a sun protection factor of 15 or greater at least 30 minutes before going outside.
• Reapply sunscreen every 2 hours and after swimming and sweating.
• The sun is strongest between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. Limit the amount of time spent outside during these hours.
• Make sure children apply sunscreen. Two or more sunburns before the age of 18 doubles the risk of developing melanoma.

Fire in whatever form should be respected. (Getty Images)

Grilling and fire safety

• Keep grills at least 10 feet away from other objects, including the house and bushes. Never use a grill inside a home or garage and never leave a hot grill unattended.
• Store propane tanks in the garage – never in the house.
• Never leave children alone or unsupervised near fire.