Food, booze top summer safety concerns

The weather is heating up, Christmas is drawing closer and Kiwis are getting ready to hit the beach and enjoy the summer break.

But it is also a time for New Zealanders to keep their families safe.

The Auckland Regional Public Health Service (ARPHS) says people should keep in mind a few safety tips to ensure they and their families get through the summer injury-free.

ARPHS clinical director Julia Peters said the main issues during the summer period were food and alcohol.

"There are few greater joys in life than a relaxing summer holiday, but summer also brings with it its share of risks, which can be reduced by following a few guidelines," she said.

The key message was to remember the new drink driving regulations which came into effect on December1.

Being food safety-conscious was another key issue.

"Campylobacter is New Zealand's No.1 food poisoning disease, with about 50 cases notified in Auckland each week, mostly in the warmer months," said Dr Peters.

"The four Cs of food safety are: Clean, Cook, Cover, and Chill. This means washing and drying hands thoroughly, ensuring meats are thoroughly cooked, not using the same plates to prepare or carry raw and cooked food, and making sure prepared food or leftovers are kept in cool storage."

Here are a few other ways to ensure your family stays safe this summer

Swim safe -

• Wait at least 48 hours after heavy rainfall before swimming. Avoid swimming near storm drains or sewage pipes.

• Swim between the flags, and keep small children in arm's reach.

• Take care when fishing, especially on surf beaches. Always wear a life jacket when fishing, don't fish alone, and don't turn your back on the waves. Wear a life jacket on boats, and ensure children are wearing age-appropriate life jackets.

Drinking safe water -

• For those on roof water, ensuring your drinking water supply is clean is vital for avoiding campylobacter, giardia and cryptosporidium, among other illnesses.

• If you need to fill your drinking water tank over summer, be sure to use a registered supplier

Drink alcohol responsibly -

• When serving alcohol, a plentiful range of food, as well as non-alcoholic drinks and water, should also be available.