The announced heatwave brings high temperatures, so many will seek refreshment at one of the beaches—whether at the sea, a river, or a lake. For those heading out on vacation these days, final travel preparations aren't just about packing suitcases and choosing a place to stay. Safety during travel, stay, and all summer activities is equally important, and standards play a significant role in this.
Before we hit the road, the most important thing is to ensure that the drive is safe for all passengers, especially the youngest ones.
Safe Travel Begins Before Departure
Long summer journeys, high temperatures, and traffic jams require extra caution. The proper use of seat belts and appropriate child car seats is one of the fundamental conditions for safe travel.
Universal compatibility between child car seats and automobiles is made possible through the application of the ISO 13216-1:1999 standard, Road vehicles – Anchorages in vehicles and attachments to anchorages for child restraint systems – Part 1: Seat bight anchorages and attachments, including its amendments. This standard provides a framework that allows car manufacturers to install identical anchorage points in their vehicles, while child seat manufacturers can market products that parents and caregivers can install with confidence, knowing the seat is securely attached in the right place and compatible with any car model equipped with the ISOFIX system.
Before traveling, you should also check the condition of the vehicle, tire pressure, air conditioning functionality, and ensure sufficient water for passengers—especially when children and the elderly are in the vehicle.
Air Conditioning – Essential During the Heat, But in Moderation
During heatwaves, air conditioning in vehicles and accommodations becomes indispensable. Standards help ensure that cooling systems are safe, efficient, and reliable.
The ISO 13043:2011 standard, Road vehicles – Refrigerants used in mobile air conditioning (MAC) systems – Safety requirements, defines the minimum safety requirements for cooling/heating refrigerant systems in passenger motor vehicles, while vehicle interior air quality is tested according to the ISO 12219 series of standards.
However, a pleasant cooling sensation does not mean overdoing it. A large difference between the outdoor temperature and an air-conditioned space poses additional stress on the body. Particularly during intense heat, a gradual transition from a hot to a cool environment is recommended, avoiding sudden temperature shifts.
On the Beach – Responsible Enjoyment
Swimming in the sea, river, or lake is the best way to cool off during summer heat. Nevertheless, it is important to take care of your health and avoid prolonged direct sun exposure when UV radiation is most intense. The quality and safety of products that protect us from the sun are also supported by standards.
Experts recommend avoiding the peak sun hours, especially when UV radiation is at its strongest, while using protection—hats, sunglasses, lightweight clothing, and sunscreen products.
Here, too, standards play their part. For instance, cosmetic sunscreen products undergo a series of standardized tests, such as: determining the Sun Protection Factor (SPF) (SRPS EN ISO 24444:2020), determining the UVA protection factor (SRPS EN ISO 24442:2022 and SRPS EN ISO 24443:2022), determining water resistance percentages (SRPS EN ISO 18861:2022), measuring sun protection efficiency (SRPS EN ISO 23698:2025), etc., while requirements for sunglasses are specified in SRPS EN ISO 12312-1:2022, Eye and face protection – Sunglasses and related eyewear – Part 1: Sunglasses for general use, including its amendment.
Safe Play for the Youngest
The best fun happens on the beach, as sand, water, balls, buckets, and various sand toys are an indispensable part of summer vacation.
For playtime to be carefree as well, toys must meet safety requirements. The SRPS EN 71-1:2018 series of standards, Safety of toys – Part 1: Mechanical and physical properties, stipulates requirements related to mechanical and physical safety, flammability, and limits on the presence of certain harmful substances.
Summer is Better When We Take Care of Our Health
High temperatures are not just an inconvenience—they are a health risk. Dehydration, overexposure to the sun, and sudden temperature shifts can put extra strain on the body, especially in vulnerable individuals. That is why water, shade, light clothing, resting during the hottest part of the day, and paying attention to children and the elderly are just as important as all the travel preparations.
As we enjoy our vacation this summer, standards help ensure that the products we use and the environment we stay in are safer, more reliable, and of higher quality.