When school lets out, children of all ages head outdoors to enjoy the freedom of summer break. But freedom shouldn't mean forgetting general safety rules.

Unfortunately, summer is known as trauma season, because more children are injured during these months than at any other time of the year. Use the following guidelines, courtesy of Safe Kids East Central and the MCG Children's Medical Center, to help your children stay safe this summer.

In the Car:

.. When riding in a vehicle, make sure children 12 and under are appropriately secured in the back seat in the right child safety seat, booster seat or safety belt for their age and size.

.. Children ages four to eight or those weighing more than 40 pounds should be placed in a car booster. When children are taller than 4 feet 9 inches, they may use an adult seat belt. Most children are prematurely graduated out of booster seats, so be sure your child reaches the height requirement before using the adult seat belt.

.. Teach children never to play in or around cars. A car is a machine that can be dangerous if in unskilled hands. Children should also be taught where the trunk lock release is located. And never, ever leave a child alone inside a car.

In the Water:

.. Always supervise young children around water, including pools, spas, baths and buckets, and insist they wear personal flotation devices when on boats, near open bodies of water or participating in water sports.

.. Do enroll your kids in swimming lessons taught by a certified instructor, but don't assume swimming lessons make your child "drownproof." There is no substitute for active supervision.

On a Bike or Other Equipment:

.. Make sure children are wearing the proper protective equipment, such as helmets and pads, when riding on bikes, scooters, inline skates or skateboards.

.. Teach children the rules of the road.

On the Road:

.. Never let a child under 10 cross a street alone. Make sure all children know when and where to cross a street.

.. At night, make sure kids wear reflective materials and don't let them walk alone.

On the Playground:

.. Always supervise children at the playground or in the backyard.

.. Make sure they play on a safe surface, such as mulch, rubber or fine sand, and check that equipment is in good working order.

Don't let an accident or injury ruin your summer. By following these guidelines, you can help summer be the carefree time it should be.

MCG Health System is composed of three organizations - MCG Health Inc. and the clinical services offered by the faculty of the Medical College of Georgia and the members of the MCG Physicians Practice Group. MCG Health, Inc. is a not-for-profit corporation operating the MCG Medical Center, MCG Children's Medical Center, the MCG Sports Medicine Center, MCG Ambulatory Care Center, the Georgia Radiation Therapy Center and related clinical facilities and services. MCG Health, Inc. was formed to support the research and education mission of the Medical College of Georgia, and to build the economic growth of the CSRA, the state of Georgia and the Southeast by providing an environment for delivering the highest level of primary and specialty health care. For more information, please visit www.MCGHealth.org.