For many Americans, Memorial Day Weekend is the official kickoff to summer vacation season. As you plan your fun for the three-day weekend, remember to put safety first.

The University of Pittsburgh Medical Center offers some helpful safety tips, including:

Pool Safety: Always supervise weaker swimmers around water. Appoint someone as lifeguard, rather than assuming one of your partygoers is keeping an eye on swimmers. Make sure younger children are within arm’s reach in the pool, and never drink alcohol while swimming or supervising swimmers.

Keep a watchful eye on drink coolers. As the ice melts, these items can become a drowning hazard for curious toddlers who look in the cooler and are unable to get themselves out.

Sun Protection: Consider providing shade, like umbrellas or covered picnic areas, to reduce sun exposure for yourself and your guests. A hat and sunglasses can offer extra coverage. Don’t forget to reapply the sunscreen after two hours of sun exposure.

Fire and Grill Safety: Make sure your grill has been thoroughly cleaned. Dirty grills cause many injuries, particularly propane grills. Keep items that you don’t want grilled away from the flame, and don’t wear loose clothing while you grill.

After your barbecue is over, make sure coals are completely out, and the propane is turned off.

Drink Responsibly: If alcohol is part of your celebration, decide in advance how much alcohol you are going to be drinking, and stick to your plan.

The National Institutes of Health advises men from age 21 to 65 to have no more than four drinks in a day. Women should have no more than three, according to the institutes. Consume plenty of water in addition to your beverage of choice and don’t drink on an empty stomach.

Do not drink and drive. Elect a designated driver or find alternate transportation home.

From all of us at HSI, have a safe and enjoyable Memorial Day weekend.