Sunscreen, Splashes, and Safety: Keeping Young Children Safe This Summer

Summer is a time for carefree fun, but it also brings unique safety concerns for young children. From scorching temperatures to pool hazards, it's essential to be proactive and informed. Here's a guide to keeping your little ones safe and sound throughout the sunny season.

Sun Safety: Shielding Delicate Skin:

Sunscreen is Essential: Apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher at least 15-30 minutes before sun exposure.

Reapply every two hours, or more often if swimming or sweating.

Choose a sunscreen specifically formulated for children's sensitive skin.

Protective Clothing:

Dress children in lightweight, long-sleeved shirts, pants, and wide-brimmed hats.

Consider swimsuits with built-in UPF (Ultraviolet Protection Factor) protection.

Seek Shade:

Limit sun exposure during peak hours (10 a.m. to 4 p.m.).

Seek shade under trees, umbrellas, or canopies.

Hydration is Key:

Encourage children to drink plenty of water throughout the day, even if they don't feel thirsty. Offer water frequently, especially during outdoor activities.

Water Safety Preventing Drowning:

Constant Supervision: Never leave children unattended near any body of water, including pools, lakes, and even bathtubs.

Designate a responsible adult to supervise children at all times.

Pool Safety:

Install a fence with a self-latching gate around the pool.

Teach children to stay away from pool drains.

Enroll children in swimming lessons appropriate for their age.

Water Safety Awareness:

Teach children about the dangers of water and the importance of swimming with an adult.

Emphasize that inflatable toys are not safety devices.

Life Jackets:

When boating, or around open water, ensure that children wear correctly fitted coast guard approved life jackets.

Heat Safety: Avoiding Heatstroke and Heat Exhaustion:

• Stay Cool:

Avoid strenuous activities during the hottest part of the day.

Keep children in cool, well-ventilated areas.

• Recognize the Signs:

Be aware of the symptoms of heatstroke and heat exhaustion, such as dizziness, headache, nausea, and rapid breathing.

If you suspect heatstroke, seek medical attention immediately.

• Never Leave Children in Cars:

Never, under any circumstances, leave a child unattended in a car, even for a short period.

Car interiors can heat up rapidly, even with the windows slightly open.

Bug and Plant Safety:

Insect Repellent:

Use insect repellent specifically formulated for children.

Avoid applying repellent to children's hands, eyes, or mouth.

Tick Checks:

Check children for ticks after spending time outdoors.

Remove ticks promptly and correctly.

Plant Awareness:

Teach children to avoid touching unfamiliar plants.

Be aware of poisonous plants in your area, such as poison ivy and oak.

General Summer Safety Tips:

Playground Safety:

Supervise children on playground equipment.

Check the playground equipment for hot surfaces.

Food Safety:

Practice good food hygiene to prevent food poisoning.

Keep perishable foods refrigerated or in coolers.

First Aid:

Keep a well-stocked first-aid kit on hand.

Learn basic first-aid skills.

By taking these precautions, you can help ensure a safe and enjoyable summer for your young children.