SOAK UP SUMMER
From pool safety to peaceful sleep, here's how to thrive this season.
“We know summer can be non-stop, but that’s all the more reason to slow down, soak up the sun, and pour love back into ourselves.”
Summer is here—finally! It’s the perfect time to prioritize your wellness, have fun with your family, and enjoy some fun in the sun. We know summer can be non-stop, especially with the kids at home, but that’s all the more reason to slow down, soak up the sun, and pour love back into ourselves.
This month, we're focusing on swimming safety, summer learning, and simple ways to care for yourself. Let’s make this a summer to remember.
Safety First This Summer
Summer and swimming go hand in hand—but safety comes first. Whether your kids are beginners or confident swimmers, teach them these 5 core survival skills help prevent accidents and build confidence:
1. Step or jump into water over their head and return to the surface.
Builds confidence in deep water and shows they can recover if they fall in.
2. Float or tread water for at least 1 minute.
Buys time to call for help or rest before swimming.
3. Turn in a full circle & find an exit.
Builds awareness in unfamiliar or crowded environments.
4. Swim 25 yards to exit the water.
Shows they have the endurance to reach safety.
5. Climb out without a ladder.
Ensures they can exit the pool on their own if needed.
General Pool Safety Tips for All Ages:
Walk, don't run near pools.
Never swim alone. Use the buddy system, even if you're experienced.
Designate an adult to be the “water watcher” to supervise kids at all times – no phones or distractions.
Stay away from pool drains/suction outlets, especially in shallow areas.
Never dive unless it’s a designated deep end with clearly marked depth.
Use Canadian Coast Guard-approved life jackets for non-swimmers. Water wings and floaties aren’t life-saving devices.
Swim Sober. No alcohol or drugs before or during swimming.
Don’t swim during storms. Wait at least 30 minutes after the last thunder or lightning before re-entering the water.
Stay hydrated. You don’t realize how much you sweat when you’re in the water.
Know how to respond in emergencies. Parents and caregivers should learn CPR and first aid. Keep a phone nearby.
CPR & First Aid Training:
Durham College: https://durhamcollege.ca/academic-faculties/professional-and-part-time-learning/programs-and-courses/first-aid-and-cpr-courses
Durham First Aid: https://durhamfirstaid.com/our-courses/
Keep Young Minds Active
Summer learning doesn’t have to feel like school. Mix fun with learning to keep your kids engaged while they’re out of the classroom. Here are a few ideas:
Library Programs
The TD Summer Reading Club runs in libraries across Durham and offers scavenger hunts, crafts, book challenges, and more – free and fun!
Pickering: https://pickeringlibrary.ca/src/
Oshawa: https://oshawalibrary.ca/tdsrc/
Clarington: https://www.cplma.ca/programs-services/td-summer-reading-club/
Science & Nature Play
Try simple science experiments at home—fun, educational, and screen-free.
Top 5 Easy Science Experiments for kids to do at home with Ryan's World!
Top 5 Science Experiments you can do at home for kids!
10 Easy Science Experiments - That Will Amaze Kids
“Yes Day” in Nature. Say yes to outdoor fun: “Yes, we can picnic.” “Yes, we can hike.”
Free Learning Apps or Websites
Check out these to make screen time educational:
PBS Kids Games – Learning through play (ages 4–8)
Khan Academy Kids – Free, personalized learning
National Geographic Kids – Fun facts, animals, and videos
Storyline Online – Celebrities read children’s books aloud
Summer Self Care
Prioritize yourself! Call it your version of “soft girl summer”—hydrated, rested, and protected. Small daily habits, from skincare to sleep, can help you feel your best this summer.
Get Some Sun
Just 10–15 minutes of sun a day boosts Vitamin D, supports immunity, and lifts your mood by triggering serotonin. Step outside, breathe, and let the light love on you.
Don’t skip the SPF
Yes, melanin is magic—but it still needs protection. Use SPF 30+ broad-spectrum sunscreen daily. Look for tinted or mineral options with zinc oxide or titanium dioxide to avoid white cast. Choose lightweight, non-comedogenic formulas with aloe, shea butter, or squalane.
Tip: Umbrellas aren’t just for rain—use one when you're spending extra time in the sun.
9 Best Sunscreens for Dark Skin, According to Dermatologists and Testers https://www.glamour.com/gallery/best-sunscreens-for-dark-skin
Drink Water
Hydrate like it’s your job! Start your day with a glass to rehydrate, wake up digestion, and boost metabolism. Mix it up with coconut water, fruit-infused water, or herbal iced teas.
Protect Your Sleep
Your rest is sacred. Build a consistent bedtime routine to support better sleep:
Stick to regular bed/wake times
Limit screens at night
Keep your space cool and quiet
Avoid late meals or caffeine
Avoid late meals or caffeine
Tip: Blue light glasses can help protect your sleep if you’re using screens before bed.
Check out this link for some options:
https://www.health.com/condition/eye-health/best-blue-light-glasses
Read Something Just for You
Books can be healing, affirming, and restful. Here are a few to check out:
BOOKS
Check out these July events
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11:30am - 2:00pm
Ajax Community Centre, North Parking Lot, 75 Centennial Road Ajax, ON L1S 4S4
FREE
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12:00pm - 4:00pm
Greenbriar Recreation Centre, 1100 Central Park Drive Brampton, ON L6S 2C9 Canada
$5.00
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10:00pm
513 Events Centre, 513 Westney Road South #Unit 1A Ajax, ON L1S 6W8 Canada
$20 - $267.58
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6:00pm - 8:00pm
The Canadian Brewhouse, 2710 Simcoe Street North Oshawa, ON L1L 0R1 Canada
FREE
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10:00am - 11:00am
Brampton Entrepreneur Centre, 41 George Street South Brampton, ON L6Y 2E1 Canada
FREE
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Fri July 11: 5:00pm - 11:00pm (Free admission has limited access)
July 12: 11:00am - 11:00pm
July 13: 11:00am - 8:00pm
Whitby Victoria Fields
FREE
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6:30pm - 7:30pm
Toronto Reference Library - Beeton Hall, 789 Yonge Street Toronto, ON M4W 2G8 Canada
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written by Nickisha RASHID