Most Americans enjoy a day off to celebrate Labor Day on the first Monday in September each year – but do you know what Labor Day is really all about? This holiday was created by the U.S. government to celebrate American workers and the many ways they contribute to the success and prosperity of our country. Labor Day became a legal federal holiday when the U.S. Congress passed an act on June 28, 1894.
Many people consider Labor Day to be the unofficial last day of the summer season (even though summer doesn’t officially end until late September). For this reason, people often celebrate by doing “summer” activities such as having barbecues or going swimming one last time before cooler fall weather begins. Following are a few safety tips to keep in mind if you’re going to participate in these types of activities.
Barbecue Safety Tips
- Place your grill in the open away from any structures.
- Make sure your grill is stable by always placing it on a flat surface.
- Keep young children and pets away from the grill to avoid accidents.
- Never leave a lit grill unattended.
Swimming Safety Tips
- Don’t rely solely on a lifeguard to watch your kids – keep an eye on them yourself.
- Never swim alone or let your children do so.
- Never leave young children unattended anywhere near water.
- Don’t allow yourself to become distracted when supervising children around water.