Here are the safety tips:

Residential swimming pools and spas

Multiple layers of protection can help ensure water safety and prevent drowning in a home pool or spa. If you have a pool or hot tub, follow all local safety ordinances. Also consider these general water-safety tips:

• Fence it in. Surround your pool with a fence that’s at least 4 feet (1.2 meters) tall. Make sure slatted fences have no gaps wider than 4 inches (10.2 centimeters), so kids can’t squeeze through. Avoid chain-link fences, which can be easy for children to climb. Install self-closing and self-latching gates with latches that are beyond a child’s reach.
• Install alarms. If your house serves as part of your pool enclosure, protect any doors leading to the pool area with an alarm. Add an underwater pool alarm that sounds when something hits the water. Make sure you can hear the alarm inside the house.
• Block pool and hot tub access. Use a rigid, motorized safety cover to block access to the pool when it’s not in use. Secure a cover on hot tubs as well. Empty inflatable pools after each use. Don’t allow water to collect on top of the pool or hot tub cover. Remove aboveground pool steps or ladders or lock them behind a fence when the pool isn’t in use.
• Teach children to swim. Most children can learn to swim at about age 5 — but know that swimming lessons won’t necessarily prevent a child from drowning.
• Remove toys. Don’t leave pool toys in the water. A child may fall into the water while trying to retrieve a toy.
• Keep your eyes peeled. Never leave children unsupervised near a pool or hot tub. During social gatherings, adults who know how to swim can take turns being the “designated watcher.” Don’t rely on air-filled or foam toys, such as water wings, noodles or inner tubes, to keep children safe.
• Beware of drains. Don’t allow children to play near or sit on pool or hot tub drains. Body parts and hair may become entrapped by the strong suction. Use drain covers, and consider installing multiple drains to reduce the suction.
• Keep emergency equipment handy. Store a safety ring with a rope beside the pool. Make sure you always have a phone in the pool area.

Natural bodies of water

Swimming conditions can be unpredictable in lakes, rivers and oceans. Water depth can change rapidly, as can water temperature, currents and the weather. Murky water may conceal hazards. Follow these water-safety tips:

• Don’t swim alone. Never allow children to swim alone or without adult supervision.
• Wear a life jacket. Children should wear personal flotation devices whenever riding in a boat or fishing. An air-filled swimming aid isn’t a substitute for a life jacket.
• Feet first. The first descent into any body of water should be a jump — feet first. Before the jump, check water depth and temperature and look for underwater hazards.
• Stay in designated areas. At public beaches, swim only in areas set aside for swimming. Don’t allow children to swim in drainage ditches or other water-filled areas not intended for swimming.
• Beware of thin ice. Drowning can occur in the winter, too. Avoid walking, skating or riding on weak or thawing ice.

Toilets, bathtubs and buckets

The water in common household items can be dangerous for young children. A baby can drown in just 1 inch (2.5 centimeters) of water. A curious toddler can fall into a toilet, bucket or fish tank. Taking these precautions can help:

• Keep the bathroom door closed. Install a safety latch or doorknob cover on the outside of the door.
• Supervise bath time. Never leave a child alone in the bathtub or in the care of another child.  Drain water from the tub immediately after use.
• Shut toilet lids. Install childproof locks on toilet lids.
• Store buckets safely. Empty buckets and other containers immediately after use. Don’t leave them outside, where they may accumulate water.

Summer activities:

Collages: My oldest son isn’t very artsy. But he does like to rip paper. And he can be persuaded to make a collage. I discovered this idea on Pinterest, so the baby can join in the fun. We tried it late last week, and it didn’t work as well as I’d hoped. Harper was fascinated by the Contact paper I stuck to the window but she was much more into taking things off of the collage than putting them on it. Still, it did keep her and Xander occupied for a little while. If you’d like to create a baby collage–tape Contact paper, sticky side facing you, to a window. Give the baby items to stick to the collage (we used tissue paper, cupcake liners, foam shapes and construction paper her older brother kindly ripped up for her).

Walks: We like to do these early in the morning or late in the evening, when there’s light but not so much heat. Our new favorite place to walk is the Canal Path in Fredericksburg. We park at Old Mill Park and take the trail for a little while, then turn around and end up at the playground. We also like the trail behind the convenience center on Harrison Road. And sometimes, we walk from The Free Lance-Star to the playground at Kenmore. (There’s also the full Rappahannock River Heritage Trail.)

Grocery shopping: OK, it doesn’t sound like fun. And I am not a huge fan of this errand–but both Xander and Harper love to go grocery shopping. Neither of them would be able to do this I Spy grocery game, but it looks like so much fun, so I’m sharing it in case your kids would like to make grocery shopping into a game. If you’re feeling super crafty, you can make these books for your kids to take to the store.

Swimming: My kids are very lucky to have grandparents with a pool. But if you’re not so lucky, there are many great pools in the area–Dixon, Loriella, Woodlands.

And you can check out our Weekender section for kid-friendly events in the area.

Here is a list I found with some good, cheap ideas for summer fun.

What are you planning to do this summer to keep your kids busy? Let me know: aumble@freelancestar.com. And feel free to send some pictures, too!

The Lockhart Family Farm in Caroline County will host a summer camp focusing on  animals, forestry, sustainability, gardening, farm to plate cooking and more.

The camp is for children ages 5-12 and will have some scholarships for low-income children and military families.

Camps will run  Jul 8-12, Jul 29 – Aug 2, and Aug 12-16.

The cost is $180 per week.

I had much grander hopes for them–but this year with a new baby has been all about lowering expectations for myself. And even though the bags weren’t homemade from the fun chevron fabric I picked out, the children seemed very happy.

So I thought I’d share the project with you, in case you’ve suddenly realized you have a wedding in a week or two and nothing to do with the youngsters.

Since my sewing machine broke halfway through making drawstring bags for the kids, I made an emergency run to the party store where I scored these orange paper lunch sacks. They were perfect because my brother and his bride chose orange as their wedding color (it perfectly matched the guest appearance by the Orioiles mascot).

I made circle labels with their initials and the date–they were quick and provided a fun personalization.

Inside the bags, I packed fake glasses, small treats, a disposable camera and a photo scavenger hunt. You can see the hunt here.

The most challenging part was choosing hunt targets and treats that would appeal to the variety of kids–ages 2-11.

And those consequences are on the rise–this May, seven children died in a hot car in a 16-day period in four states, according to the  advocacy group Kids and Cars. This is double the average for May.

While it can be very frustrating to have to get young kids in and out of the car while running errands, please don’t ever give into the temptation to run in a store “really fast” while your child stays in the car.

Our transportation reporter Scott Shenk offers reminders about leaving kids–or pets–in hot cars here. (He also includes some information on the State Route 3 widening project–if, like me, you live near this roadwork, you’ll be very interested to know it could end in a month.)

And here is a website with lots of interesting information about child heatstroke in cars. The site offers statistics–for example, 52 percent of children who died in hot cars were forgotten by caregivers, while 18 percent were intentionally left by an adult (I’m sure “just for a minute.”)

The site offers these tips:

• NEVER LEAVE A CHILD UNATTENDED IN A VEHICLE.  NOT EVEN FOR A MINUTE !
• IF YOU SEE A CHILD UNATTENDED IN A HOT VEHICLE CALL 9-1-1.
• Be sure that all occupants leave the vehicle when unloading. Don’t overlook sleeping babies.
• Always lock your car and ensure children do not have access to keys or remote entry devices.  IF A CHILD IS MISSING, ALWAYS CHECK THE POOL FIRST, AND THEN THE CAR, INCLUDING THE TRUNK. Teach your children that  vehicles are never to be used as a play area.
• Keep a stuffed animal in the carseat and when  the child is put in the seat place the animal in the front with the  driver.
• Or place your purse or briefcase in the back  seat as a reminder that you have your child in the car.
• Make “look before you leave” a routine whenever  you get out of the car.
• Have a plan that your childcare provider will  call you if your child does not show up for school.

And here is a public safety announcement from Kids and Cars:

Any recipe. A recipe that you love. A recipe that you think Vicki would love. Any old recipe would do. She loves to make everything. Send a recipe for a spaghetti dish. Send a recipe for a sandwich. Send a recipe for a cookie. All I ask is that there is a picture associated with the recipe. Cut one out of a magazine. Write one up on a recipe card and take a picture of it. Have your kids draw a picture of the food. Whatever. Be creative.

And Rosezalla also penned a Suess-esque poem for the project:

Let me tell you a story about a young girl…

A young girl named Vicki, who loves to spin and to twirl.

She’s 11 years old, has beautiful curly brown hair

If you see her in a store, you might stop and stare…

Not because she has autism, yes, she does have that thing

But because of the pure joy and zest for life that she brings.

She has a spring in her step and a twinkle in her eye

And if you get to know her heart, it will make you want to cry.

She has taught me to love and taught me to hope

She has taught me to listen and taught me to cope.

She has given me so much, now it’s my turn you see.

I want to give her an adventure… won’t you come along with me?

It’s exhausting to be sad and cry over stuff

I put my foot down and said that’s enough.

Let’s give Vicki adventure and passion and fun

There’s a whole world to discover and we’ve only just begun.

So here’s my idea, won’t you please help me out

It’s a work in progress, here’s what it’s about….

Vicki loves food, loves to create and explore

You can give her that… and so much more!

For just the price of a stamp, you can send Vicki love

Enclose a recipe with a picture, or whatever you think of.

Here is the address to send your recipe to…

I promise you won’t regret it if you do.

Cook With Me. Love, Vicki

PO Box 1386

Stafford, VA  22555

Send a recipe for an appetizer, a side, or a main dish…

Send a  recipe for a drink, snack, or a dessert if you wish.

Cut out a magazine picture, have your kids draw some food

It doesn’t have to be elaborate, it can be cut-out and glued.

Vicki will go to the post office and turn the lock with the key

Oh an adventure awaits her… what could it be?

Vicki can read some of the words that you write down for her

Who know, maybe Vicki will become a restaurateur!

She’ll shop for the ingredients… she’ll prepare the recipe

I’ll take pictures and write stories so that you can share this with me.

There’s a Facebook  page called “Cook With Me. Love, Vicki” where I will post updates

Please “like” it and you will see the fun that awaits.

Thank you in advance for sending Vicki your love…

Please share this with as many people as you can think of.

xoxo Vicki’s Mom

But ditching the membership would free up some money for diapers. So I decided to invest in a jogging stroller. I ignored a lot of the advice out there. It seems like every running blogger tells you to spring for the pricier versions. Those strollers weren’t in our budget, so I decided on a cheaper model.

And I haven’t regretted it. Maybe the others are lighter. Or pipe toddler tunes through speakers connected to an iPod. But the one I have works fine.

The problem is my daughter. In the beginning, before she was ready for running, we went walking several times a day. She LOVED the walks. I was so excited for when she would be old enough to go running.

And when that time rolled around, she was still an enthusiastic passenger. And she was a great motivator–when I picked up my pace, she squealed in delight.

But now she’s restless. She’s starting to cruise–and so she thinks she can walk (or run) by herself. She doesn’t want to sit in a stroller. About halfway through the run, she starts fussing and squirming, demanding to be picked up.

So I turned to Google. But while blogs and websites were filled with information on how to choose a jogging stroller, few offered good tips for how to keep the baby happy in said stroller.

Some suggested toys or snacks; I’d already tried both.

I did pick up a few helpful hints–to vary the toys and to stash a baby carrier in the stroller so that it wouldn’t be so difficult if I did have to carry her home.

So I’ve outfitted her with a water bottle (she’s not a big fan of sippy cups) and created a photo album of baby pictures (of her, of her brothers and of baby pictures cut out of magazines; she’s in a baby-loving phase right now). And I shortened the run a little bit.

So far, this is helping. At least, we’re almost home before the fussing starts.

But it got me thinking: there have to be better tips out there. And other moms and dads who have the same problem.

So I’m working on a story about jogging with babies, toddlers and preschoolers. If you have any tips, please pass them along: aumble@freelancestar.com.

Gas grills were involved in an annual average of 7,100 home fires in 2006-2010, while charcoal or other solid-fueled grills were involved in an annual average of 1,200 home fires, according to a 2012 NFPA report on cooking fires. More than one-quarter (28 percent) of home structure grill fires started on a courtyard, terrace or patio, 28 percent started on an exterior balcony or open porch, and 6 percent started in the kitchen.

Hannah Storm, ESPN SportsCenter anchor was severely burned in a grill fire. She worked with NFPA to record several videos to share her story and raise awareness for grilling safety in hopes that others will avoid similar incidents.

Grills should be placed well away from the home and deck railings, and out from under eaves and overhanging branches. If there is a fire involving grilling equipment, any fuel for the fire should not be near the home or any other structure.

“Grilling season is a great time of year for friends and families to have cookouts and tailgate, but before starting the season, be sure your grill is working properly and review safety tips,” said Lorraine Carli, vice president of Communications for NFPA. “Leaks or breaks were the leading factors contributing to gas grill fires. It is good practice to check for damage before using it for the first time each year, and better practice to clean and check on the state of the grill regularly.”

Some other grilling safety tips from the NFPA are:

• Propane and charcoal BBQ grills should only be used  outdoors.
• Keep children and pets at least three feet away from     the grill area.
• Keep your grill clean by removing grease or fat  buildup from the grills and in trays below the grill.
• Never leave your grill unattended.
• Always make sure your gas grill lid is open before  igniting it.

• Check the gas tank hose for leaks before using it for the first time each year. Apply a light soap and water solution to the hose. A propane leak will release bubbles. If your grill has a gas leak, by smell or the soapy bubble test, and there is no flame, turn off the gas tank and grill. If the leak stops, get the grill serviced by a professional before using it again. If the leak does not stop, call the fire department.
• If you smell gas while cooking, immediately get away from the grill and call the fire department. Do not move the grill.
• If the flame goes out, turn the grill and gas off and wait at least 15 minutes before re-lighting it.

Charcoal grills

• There are several ways to get the charcoal ready to  use. Charcoal chimney starters allow you to start the charcoal using     newspaper as a fuel.
• If you use a starter fluid, use only charcoal starter  fluid. Never add charcoal fluid or any other flammable liquids to the     fire.
• Keep charcoal fluid out of the reach of children and  away from heat sources.
• There are also electric charcoal starters, which do  not use fire. Be sure to use an extension cord for outdoor use.
• When you are finished grilling, let the coals  completely cool before disposing in a metal container.

As the Memorial Day weekend approaches, Stafford officials urge all visitors to the Rappahannock River to use extreme caution. Extra rain is predicted over the next few days and could cause dangerous conditions on the river.

More than 80 individuals have drowned in the Rappahannock River since 1972.  Public safety officials are especially concerned over the next few days because the river is a popular gathering place for many people over the Memorial Day holiday. But visitors should take precautions at the river year round. Conditions could quickly become dangerous at the river with strong currents, underwater debris such as trees and rocks, and sharp drop-offs into deep water.

Attendants from the Stafford Department of Parks, Recreation and Community Facilities will be at the Historic Port of Falmouth during its summer operating hours of Monday - Sunday, 8 a.m. – 8 p.m. However, the attendants at the park are not lifeguards. They will provide safety information to all visitors. In addition, there are signs posted on the banks of the river that contain lifesaving river safety information, such as drawings that will quickly alert people to the warnings and risks associated with their water activities. Everyone visiting the park should obey all posted signs and follow the directions of the park attendants.

Individuals can also visit the pools at Curtis Park and Woodlands. For information on the operating hours at both pools, please click here or call Woodlands Pool at 540-658-4241or Curtis Park 540-658-5114.

(RELATED: Indoor public pools around Fredericksburg)

In addition, public safety officials recommend that individuals follow these water safety tips from the American Red Cross:

In Case of a Water Emergency

• Call 9-1-1 immediately.
• No additional people should enter the water to lend assistance to those in distress.  Remember:  “Reach or throw; don’t go.”
•  Call 9-1-1 and identify the location of the emergency with as much information as possible.

General Water Safety

•  Learn to swim.  The best thing anyone can do to stay safe in and around the water is to learn to swim. 
• Always swim with a friend; never swim alone.
•  Swim in areas supervised by a lifeguard.
• Read and obey all rules and posted signs.
• Set water safety rules for the whole family based on swimming abilities (for example, inexperienced swimmers should stay in water less than chest deep).

River Safety

• Be aware!  The river bottom is uneven and may drop off suddenly.  Strong tides and currents can turn an event that began as fun into a tragedy.
• Wear shoes – there may be broken glass on the bottom.
•  Do not dive into the water.  Too many swimmers are seriously injured every year by entering headfirst into water that is too shallow.  A feet-first entry is much safer than diving.
• If you are going to swim, wear a life jacket at all times.

Beach Safety

• Protect your skin:  Sunlight contains two kinds of UV rays – UVA increases the risk of skin cancer, skin aging, and other skin diseases.
• Drink plenty of water regularly and often, even if you do not feel thirsty.  Your body needs water to keep cool. 
• Watch for signs of heat stroke.  Heat stroke is life threatening.

Annual Alpaca Shearing Event, at Maranatha Alpaca Farm,  71 Coakley Lane, Fredericksburg. Saturday, May 25. Rain date is June 1.  One alpaca will be sheared on the hour, every hour, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Free. 540/841-4878; maranathaalpacas .com.