School is out, the sun is shining, and everyone’s energy is rising! The summertime is the time for fun. Kids look forward to lathering on the sunscreen and heading to the beach, water gun fights, riding bikes until dark, and seeing all of their friends outside of the classroom. While the season boasts fun and play time, it can also offer nasty accidents if proper safety isn’t practiced. When the weather warms up, be sure to take your child’s well-being in mind. There are some summertime activities that can warrant negative outcomes if handled improperly.
Sunshine
The obvious factor here is that the summertime is hot. Where there is excessive heat, there can be problems. In order to keep your children healthy from the sun, it’s important to make them wear sunscreen for kids every time they are outside. Invest in a sunscreen that is at least SPF 15 and protects against both UVA and UVB rays. Don’t be fooled if it’s cloudy, the sun can still do damage to your child’s skin through over casted skies! Lather up, no matter what. Make sure your child stays hydrated! Water is key! Don’t send kids out to play with cans of carbonated beverages or juices. Sugary drinks will cause more dehydration. Get plenty of cool water. Encourage your kids to dress in lighter clothing, and wear a hat to protect them from the sun’s rays. Staying cool, hydrated, and burn-free is essential in battling the summer sun.
Water
Beaches, lakes, rivers and streams all get visits from children on warm summer days. Everyone loves taking a dip to cool off, but it’s important that you follow safe guidelines before leaping in. Make sure that you teach your children how to swim, or have had them take certified swimming lessons. Always make sure that young children wear flotation devices, and stay with them in waters at all times. Never swim outdoors during a thunder storm. Teach your children not to swallow water as it could cause them to get sick. Always childproof your swimming pool area with a fence and proper latch. Prevent swimmer’s ear by tilting your child’s head to one side after swimming in order to allow the water to drain.
Bugs
People aren’t the only one buzzing when the summertime hits. Warm weather invites mosquitoes, flies, ants, wasps, and bees. Always have your children wearing shoes when they’re outside playing so that they don’t find themselves stepping on a poisonous insect. Be sure to wear child-safe bug repellent whenever you venture out. Check your children for ticks if you’ve been in a wooded area, and be sure to treat any insect bites immediately with proper medication.
Playtime
Kids will be kids. Exploring at playgrounds and riding bikes are all a part of being a kid in the summertime. As long as safety comes first, these adventures should lend no issues. Always watch your children when they play, especially in a public area. Make sure playground equipment is safe for children. Check for loose nails or bolts, splintered wood, or broken equipment. Make sure slides and other metal objects are not scalding hot to the touch so that burns do not occur. When kids are riding their bike, always make sure a helmet is worn. Teach your child to watch for traffic when riding their bike, and entering the street. Teach them the proper hand signals needed to make turns. Always check the bike for working breaks, reflectors, tires and gears. If possible, watch your child on their bike while they ride.
The summertime is a fun and memorable season for all children. Keeping those memories as happy ones all starts with proper safety and a little care.
Jack D. is a small business owner who enjoys coaching his son’s little league baseball and pee wee football teams
Julie Austin
Monday 4th of September 2017
Don't forget to make sure kids always have enough water in the heat. swiggies, wrist water bottles can be frozen to lower body temperature so they don't overheat and also get plenty of ice cold water.