Articles
Keeping Kids Safe In Summer – Part 1
Summer break is a time of joy and adventure for kids. School is out, and the possibilities for fun seem endless. However, with all this freedom comes the responsibility to ensure our children stay safe while they enjoy their summer activities. Here are some reminders to help parents keep their kids safe during the summer months.
Stay hydrated
Keeping kids hydrated in the summer is vital to their health. As children are active outdoors, they can quickly become dehydrated in the heat. Encourage them to drink water regularly, even before they feel thirsty, and provide easy access to water bottles. Offer hydrating snacks such as watermelon, cucumbers, and oranges to help maintain their fluid levels. To stay well hydrated, children ages 1-3 years need approximately 4 cups of beverages per day, including water or milk. This increases for older kids to around 5 cups for 4-8 year olds, and 7-8 cups for older children. By staying proactive about hydration, you can help prevent heat-related illnesses and keep kids energetic and healthy during summer activities.
Recognize heat exhaustion symptoms
Recognizing heat exhaustion symptoms in kids can help prevent serious heat-related illnesses. Common signs include heavy sweating, pale or clammy skin, and fatigue. Children may also experience muscle cramps, dizziness, headache, and nausea or vomiting. Watch for irritability, confusion, or fainting, which are more severe indicators. If you notice any of these symptoms, move the child to a cooler, shaded area immediately, and encourage them to sip water or a sports drink. Apply cool, wet cloths to their skin and fan them gently. Seek medical attention if symptoms persist or worsen to prevent a heat stroke.
Sunscreen
Don’t forget the sunscreen to protects kids' skin during the summer months when they spend more time outdoors. Choose a broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher and apply it generously to all exposed skin, including the face, ears, neck, and tops of feet. Reapply sunscreen every two hours, or more frequently if swimming or sweating heavily. Encourage children to wear protective clothing, hats, and sunglasses for added sun protection. Avoid sun exposure during peak hours (10 a.m. to 4 p.m.) when UV rays are strongest. Teaching kids about the importance of sunscreen and making it a regular part of their outdoor routine helps reduce the risk of sunburn, premature aging, and skin cancer later in life.
Water safety
Ensuring water safety for kids during summer is essential to prevent accidents, injuries and drownings. Always supervise children closely when they are in or near water. Enroll them in swimming lessons to build their water skills and confidence. Teach them about the importance of following safety rules, such as not running near the pool, not diving in shallow areas, and using life jackets. Make sure pools are secured with proper fencing and safety covers. By prioritizing these safety measures, you can provide a fun and secure environment for kids to enjoy water activities during the summer.
Infection safety
Swimming in lakes and ponds can expose children to bacterial infections that pose significant health risks. Natural bodies of water can harbor harmful bacteria such as E. coli and certain strains of Vibrio, which can cause gastrointestinal illnesses, skin rashes, ear infections, and more severe conditions like leptospirosis or necrotizing fasciitis. The risk increases with swallowing water, open wounds, or compromised immune systems. Monitor water quality reports, encourage kids to avoid swallowing water, shower immediately after swimming, and stay out of the water if they have cuts or abrasions. These precautions help minimize the risk of bacterial infections and ensure a safer swimming experience.
Hand washing
Germs live on surfaces we touch year-round, not just during cold and flu season. Viruses spread when an infected person breathes, talks, coughs or sneezes releasing virus particles into the air. It’s important to properly wash hands for 20 seconds with soap and water or use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer when traveling. And always wash hands after using the bathroom or touching animals.
Ward off bug bites/Tick checks
Insect safety for kids in summer is vital to prevent bites, stings, and related health issues. Encourage children to wear long sleeves and pants, especially during dawn and dusk when insects are most active. Apply child-safe insect repellent on exposed skin and clothing, avoiding hands, eyes, and mouth. Keep play areas free of standing water to reduce mosquito breeding sites and check for nests or hives around the home to prevent encounters with bees or wasps. If you know of an allergy, keep an epi-pen handy and check the expiration date. Check for ticks after being outside. Being proactive about insect safety can help minimize the risk of allergic reactions, diseases and infections to ensure a safer and more enjoyable summer.
Sources:
Johns Hopkins Medicine
Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia
ECLKC
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