PORTLAND, Ore. - For most of us summer means fun in the sun - the kids are out of school, adults are on vacation and it's time to head to the beach, the pool or the river.

It's also a good time to think about safety.

As the weather warms up more and more people head for the water to cool off but fun in the sun and out on the water can quickly turn dangerous if parents and kids aren't prepared.

Consumer Reports put together a guide with 600 tips to help parents manage safety concerns that creep up along with the temperature.

Number one - kids need to wear a life jacket while boating.  According to Consumer Reports, get one that is Coast Guard approved,

"Drowning is the second highest cause of death for children ages 1 to 14, said Jamie Schaefer-Wilson with Consumer Reports.  "There is an average of 250 drownings a year, so you really need to be vigilant."

Even the backyard can be host to hundreds of hidden dangers.

"One is the garden hose," said Shaefer-Wilson.  "They sometimes have lead, so you need to look for one that says drinking water safe."

Another thing to watch out for - plants that are poisonous if eaten.

And when playing out by the pool, parents need to be within arm's length of young children.  Don't rely on flotation devices to keep a child from drowning.

What if you're at the beach?  Know when the tide comes in, watch out for rip currents and don't forget the sunscreen.  Put it on 30 minutes before going outside and re-apply every two hours.  Children under 1 need to be covered and out of direct sunlight.

Bottom line - you are the first line of defense for your kids.