Summer Safety for Kids

About this topic

When summer comes, most children spend time outside. This raises the chances for bug bites and stings. Being in the sun may cause sunburn, heat stress, or too much fluid loss. Children may have injuries from falls as they play outside. ‚

General

You can help your children stay safe. They may not pay attention while outside and having fun. Here are some safety tips. ‚
Safety in Water, Swimming, or Boating ‚

Always watch your kids when near water.
Make sure there is a trained person who knows CPR in the area.
Your child should use a safe floating device in the water. Put a life jacket on your child when riding in a boat or near water.
Fence your pool to keep your kids and others safe.
Use care in spas and hot tubs. Children can easily drown or burn in hot tubs.
To prevent the spread of germs
- Have your child shower before swimming.
- Teach your child to wash hands after toilet use.
- Do not allow swimming if your child has loose stools.
- Tell your child not to swallow water from the pool.

Safety on the Road ‚

Teach your kids to wear a helmet and safety gear every time they bike, rollerblade, or skate board.
Make sure the safety gear fits properly and meets safety standards.
Do not let them use earphones while biking or hiking.
Teach your child to never play around the car. Your child should never get in the trunk. Keep doors locked when you are not in your car. Keep keys out of reach.
Make sure your child is outside the car when you are loading or unloading.
Keep car keys out of reach.

Safety Under the Sun ‚

Use sunblock the right way for longer protection.
- Use broad spectrum, water resistant sunblock with SPF 30 or more on exposed skin. Protect your childs lips as well.
- Apply sunblock 20 to 30 minutes before going out in the sun.
- Reapply every 2 hours and after swimming or sweating.
Avoid the sun in the middle of the day. The sun's rays are strong between 10 AM to 4 PM. Your unprotected skin can be damaged in 15 minutes with direct sun exposure. Plan to be outside early or in the evening. This will help to avoid too much sun exposure.
Encourage your kids to wear a hat and sunglasses with ultraviolet (UV) protection. They can wear light protective clothes to cover skin.
Do not leave your kids in your car when it is hot.

Safety When Camping or Walking ‚
Teach your kids: ‚

About safety and road signs.
To stay on sidewalks or paths. Teach them not to run into the streets or cross between parked cars.
To look both ways before crossing the street. Do not let them cross alone.
To stay in well-lighted areas and with a group. Never walk alone or stay alone.
Local emergency numbers and how to get help in an emergency.
To tell someone about any suspicious person or vehicle in the area.

Safety From Falls and Injuries ‚

Use strong handrails on stairs and guards on windows to prevent falls.
Keep furniture or objects away from windows to prevent climbing.
Do not let your child near the lawnmower. Turn it off when your kids are nearby. Never let them ride on a mower.
Keep children away from outdoor grills.
Make sure playground equipment is safe.

Safety From Insects Bites and Stings ‚

Spray your kids' clothes and exposed skin with safe bug spray.
Dress your kids in long sleeves and pants to cover the skin and prevent bites.
Tell them to avoid still water, bushes, or tall grass where insects may be.

Safety to Avoid Dehydration ‚

Make sure your child drinks at least 6 to 8 glasses of water every day.
Have your child take a bottle of water when playing outside.
Make your child rest every 20 to 30 minutes when playing or exercising on hot days.
Be sure your child drinks enough fluids before playing.

What will the results be?

Safe and healthy kids while having summer fun. ‚

Where can I learn more?

Healthy Children ‚
http://www.healthychildren.org/English/news/Pages/Summer-Safety-Tips-Sun-and-Water-Safety.aspx ‚
http://www.healthychildren.org/English/news/Pages/Summer-Safety-Tips-Staying-Safe-Outdoors.aspx ‚
NHS Choices ‚
http://www.nhs.uk/Livewell/Summerhealth/Pages/Childsafety.aspx ‚
Safe Network ‚
http://www.safenetwork.org.uk/help_and_advice/best_safeguarding_practice/Pages/summer_safety.aspx#Visitingamusementorthemeparks ‚

Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer

This information is not specific medical advice and does not replace information you receive from your health care provider. This is only a brief summary of general information. It does NOT include all information about conditions, illnesses, injuries, tests, procedures, treatments, therapies, discharge instructions or life-style choices that may apply to you. You must talk with your health care provider for complete information about your health and treatment options. This information should not be used to decide whether or not to accept your health care providers advice, instructions or recommendations. Only your health care provider has the knowledge and training to provide advice that is right for you. ‚

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