Yasmin Young and Rich Barnes Talk About the Importance of Summer Safety

There's nothing better than firing up that smoker or grill in your backyard and inviting your best friends and family over for some delicious BBQ this time of year.

Let's be real, though: there can be some very serious problems that may occur if we aren't careful when gathering together at these types of events. My friend Rich Barnes from The Barnes Firm knows this better than anyone, as he sees dozens of accident and injury cases each day at his firm.

"I think the main thing is exercising a little extra caution," Rich said. "Make sure fires aren't being left unattended, have a fire extinguisher handy in case things get a little out of control, and keep an eye out for the kids. Always keep them a safe distance away from grills."

Spending time around water is another one of the many great pleasures summer has to offer, but that too can be a dangerous activity if you aren't being careful.

"Again, it's just a matter of elevating our caution," Rich added. "Boaters, jet skiers, and swimmers all have to remember that they're sharing the water and have to be careful about that. Everybody needs to be looking out for each other and be mindful of the fact that things can go wrong at any given moment."

There are some very simple rules to follow when you’re at the beach that can help prevent swimming accidents:

• Learn how to swim
• Never swim alone
• Always supervise children
• Never rely on flotation devices
• Avoid mixing alcohol and swimming.

Practicing proper safety can help us avoid possible injuries and, by staying safe, we can continue to enjoy all the activities we love to do this time of year.

If you’ve been injured and need help, call The Barnes Firm at (800) 800-0000.

You can also fill out a contact request form at TheBarnesFirm.com for a free case evaluation. Or call their Downtown Buffalo or Grider Street office now – it could be the best call you make!