I am continuing my series of posts on summer safety tips for your children now that they are no longer under the supervision of the adult school system. Here are three important areas to talk over with your children about these summer safety concerns.
Water Safety
Drowning is responsible for more deaths among children ages 1-4 than any other cause except birth defects. Two to three children die every day from drowning.
Make sure that children are always supervised around any pool or water.
Teach your children how to swim. It is one of the greatest safety gifts you give can to them. Check with your local Red Cross or other organizations about swimming instructions.
If you have a pool, make sure it is fenced in on all four sides.
If you do any boating, children should always have on an approved jacket preserver.
Heat and Sun Safety
Heat-related illness occurs when the body’s temperature is overloaded. Infants and children up to 4 years of age are at greatest risk.
Never leave infants, children, or pets in a parked car, even if the windows are cracked open.
Infant and children should wear loose, light colored, lightweight clothes
Protect children’s skin with proper sunscreen.
If a child shows symptoms of heat related illness, get immediate care.
Playground Safety
Each year more than 200,000 children ages 14 and younger are treated for playground-related injuries.
Check to make sure that playground surfaces under equipment are safe, soft, and well maintained.
Small and young children need supervision around playground equipment.
Make sure the playground equipment is the appropriate level of play for your children.
Your children should wear the right protective equipment for their sport or recreation activity.
Conclusion
If you follow these simple tips for children’s summer safety, their summer will be safe. Be sure to have a discussion with your children about these tips. Following these tips will give you greater piece of mind. In my next post I will share some thoughts about summer home safety tips.
