With summer comes spending lots of time outdoors. The beautiful weather may make you forget your worries and be careless about safety precautions. A high percentage of injury-related emergency room visits happen during the summer months, many that could be prevented. Keep your kids safe this summer by following these tips:
Around the Water
- Establish family rules, and do not waver from strictly enforcing them
- Never leave a young child unattended near water (always stay within an arm’s reach)
- Swim in a designated area supervised by lifeguards
- Inflatable swimming aids are not a substitute for approved life vests (“floaties” can give parents and children a false sense of security)
- Wear a lifejacket when boating
- Learn CPR
For additional pool safety guidelines, please go to: Pool Safely, Red Cross, and healthychildren.org
In the Sun
- Limit sun exposure and play in the shade when possible (keep in mind that because light is scattered and reflected, you can still get sunburn in the shade)
- Avoid playing outside when the sun is at its hottest (10am to 4pm)
- Babies under 6 months should be kept out of direct sunlight
- Always put on sunscreen, even on a cloudy day, with SPF of at least 15 (the higher the better), and remember to reapply often (at least every 2 hours and after swimming and sweating)
- Apply sunscreen 30 minutes prior to going outside
- Wear sun hats, sunglasses, and protective clothing
- Water and sand reflect UV rays, so take extra precaution
- Drink plenty of fluids to stay hydrated
While Playing
- Always wear a helmet when biking
- Remind your child to look both ways before crossing the road
- Make sure your home playground is safe
- Check that slides and other playground equipment are cool enough prior to allowing your child to touch or sit on it
- Do not allow children to play barefoot on playground equipment
- Keep children away from grills and other hot surfaces
- Unless you have a special ID bracelet, write your cell phone number in permanent marker on your child’s bicep when out in public
- Wear socks, shoes, and a hat to reduce the chance of coming in contact with ticks and poison ivy
- Bees are attracted to bright and busy patterns; dress in neutral clothing
- Please follow all of these tips and guidelines when spending time outdoors this summer. If there ever is an emergency, immediately call your pediatrician or 911 (depending on the situation).
Sources and Links to Additional Safety Tips:
Red Cross
CPSC
NFPA
healthychildren.org
WebMD
AAP