School is out.

Memorial Day has passed.

For all practical intents and purposes, summer is here.

All too often, summer fun turns into tragedy.

With young people out of school, playing in neighborhoods, riding bicycles or walking with friends, motorists need to be extra cautious.

Pay attention, because a child can dart into a roadway in seconds.

In addition to road safety, many of our favorite summertime activities can quickly turn to tragedy.

Everything from grilling meat, to swimming, to boating, to fishing, to jumping on the trampoline or even playing ball can end tragically.

We want families to be able to take advantage of and enjoy summertime recreational opportunities, but we urge everyone to be circumspect about potential dangers.

In an instant, a family outing full of fun and laughter can turn into tears.

Summer grilling can present dangers associated with not keeping meats properly refrigerated before cooking and not thoroughly cooking before eating.

In addition, grills can be danger zones. Harry Grubbs of the Mr. Appliance repair franchise offers these suggestions for the beginning of the summer grilling season in order to make sure your gas grill is ready for safe operation:

• Check regulator for proper pressure.

• Check gas valves for leaks.

• Check igniters for proper operation.

• Inspect for bad burners and deteriorated supports.

When using traditional charcoal grills, it is important to be cautious with lighter fluids and it is recommended you use self-lighting charcoal as a safe alternative to using the highly flammable fluids.

As you travel on vacation or a day trip, make sure everyone buckles up, and young children are safely secured in an authorized child restraint.

Children should never be removed from their restraints while the vehicle is moving.

It does not matter how restless they become and how much they want out, their lives are more important than whether or not they are a little fussy or uncomfortable.

Under no circumstances, should a child or family pet be left unattended in a parked car.

Temperatures inside a car without the air-conditioner running can quickly soar and endanger lives.

And, surely, anyone realizes how dangerous it would be to leave a car running, unattended, with a child inside.

Don’t speed.

Obey traffic laws.

Road rage is mindless.

Never drink and drive.

Never text and drive.

Never drink and operate a boat.

In the state of Georgia, the legal blood alcohol content for operating a boat is the same as for driving a car.

A blood-alcohol content of 0.08 or more is boating while under the influence.

When out on the water, always make sure children are wearing approved life vests.

We hope all of our readers have a fun, and safe, summer.