8 Summer Safety Tips to Keep Your Kids Safe
Summer is a time for kids to play outside and have fun, but it’s incredibly important to keep them safe during this season. For those who live in South Carolina, we have plenty of things to deal with, safety-wise. Hurricanes, the Atlantic ocean, and pools, so many pools! With more outdoor activities and potential risks, parents and caregivers need to take steps to protect children from accidents and injuries.
Accidental drowning, severe sunburns, bike accidents… there are so many ways kids can get injured or worse.
In this article, we’ll share simple tips to help ensure children’s safety during the summer. We want your South Carolina summer to be amazing, not worrisome.
1 Water Safety for All Ages
Always watch children closely when they are near any body of water. Whether it’s at a pool, beach, or sprinkler, never leave them alone. Teach them to swim or enroll them in swimming lessons. Make sure they wear life jackets or other flotation devices as needed. Also, use fences and barriers to keep kids away from pools when adults aren’t present. Having one child supervise another is not a replacement for adult supervision. According to the World Health Organization:
“Drowning is one of the leading causes of death globally for children and young people aged 1-24 years. Every year, an estimated 236,000 people drown.
More than 90% of drowning deaths occur in low- and middle-income countries, with children under the age of five being at highest risk.â€
2 Year-Around Sun Protection
Protect children from the sun by putting sunscreen with a high SPF on them before going outside. Make them wear hats, sunglasses, and light clothes that cover their skin. Find shady areas for breaks and give them plenty of water to drink to stay hydrated. Don’t forget to reapply sunscreen! Talk to your pediatrician about how to prevent sunburns in babies less than 6 months old.
3 Playground Safety During Hot Months
Before kids play on a playground, check for any broken parts or things that might cause accidents. Keep a close eye on them while they play. Teach them how to be safe and take turns when using the equipment. Reminder: some (usually older) playground equipment can get really hot in summer months. Always test it to make sure it’s safe for your child to use.
4 Preventing Insect Bites
Use insect repellent made for kids to keep bugs away. Dress them in light-colored clothes that cover their skin, especially during times when mosquitoes are most active. Remove standing water from around your home to stop mosquitoes from breeding. If a child is stung, consult your pediatrician for best advice. If your child goes into anaphylactic shock due to a bee sting, call 911 immediately!
5 Staying Cool Indoors and Outdoors
On hot days, make sure kids drink lots of water and take breaks from playing outside to cool down. Plan outdoor activities for mornings or evenings when it’s cooler. Create shady spots or use fans to help them stay comfortable. On really hot days, stay indoor with the door and windows covered, fans or Air Conditioners on. If it’s too hot, find a cool indoor lace like a mall or movie theater to spend in during the hottest time of the day.
6 Road and Bike Safety for Kids
Teach kids to be safe around roads. Show them how to look both ways before crossing and use crosswalks. When they ride bikes, skateboards, or rollerblades, make sure they wear helmets that are age and size appropriate. Watch them closely near roads and encourage them to play away from traffic.
7 Fireworks Safety First, Always
It’s best to let professionals handle fireworks. Take kids to public displays instead of using fireworks at home. Keep them at a safe distance from fireworks and explain the risks involved in handling them. For those of you who have furkids – keep your animals indoors during firework displays as many animals are scared and will run away.
8 Stranger Danger, Talk to Your Children
Remind kids about the importance of not talking to or going with strangers without permission from a trusted adult. Teach them about safe places, like police stations or stores, where they can go if they need help.
Keeping Your Kids Safe During Summer is Your #1 Job!
As parents and caregivers, it’s our job to keep kids safe during the summer. By following these simple tips, such as practicing water safety, sun protection, playground safety, preventing insect bites, staying cool, road and bike safety, fireworks safety, and teaching about stranger safety, we can create a safe environment for kids to enjoy their summer activities. Let’s make this summer a fun and safe time for kids, filled with happy memories and adventures.
