By: Nicole Pelletiere
School is out and chances are, your child is going to want to spend a lot (if not all) of their time with you outdoors. Whether it’s swimming, camping, or just being active under the sun, there are some important safety tips to keep in mind when enjoying everyone’s favorite season with your little ones.
Swimming Safety
According to KidsHealth.org, nearly 1,000 kids die each year by drowning. If your child is going swimming in a family-owned pool be sure he or she has proper adult supervision. All public pools are usually crowded and should have on-duty lifeguards for maximum safety. If you are going to allow swimming in a lake or pond, two adults should be on watch; be aware of bottom-surface conditions and insist your child(ren) wear water shoes to prevent any injuries.
For children that are unable to swim without assistance, it may be a good idea to invest in a proper-fitting flotation device.
Applying Sunscreen
Sunburns are no picnic and can be quite serious if they blister and burn throughout the day. Young children require SPF 45 or higher (be sure to reapply every hour for maximum protection). If you are spending the day near the water, waterproof sunscreen is necessary.
Having a First Aid Kit
If you and your family are going to be away from home you should pack a First Aid Kit in case of any unexpected emergencies. A useful kit should have band-aids, antiseptic wipes, antibacterial cream, gloves, gauze pads, and a mask to assist in rescue breathing. If an accident occurs, major or minor, you will be pleased that you had the kit with you!
Use Insect Repellent
Bugs are not only a nuisance, but they can also spread disease. Shop for the proper repellent for either the woods or waterfront to protect your family against ticks and mosquitoes. Also try to avoid allowing your children to play in bushy, overgrown areas.
Grilling Safety
Never allow children to play near a grill or open flame. Please remember that your grill will remain hot (some for a longer period than others) and the area should continue to remain off-limits. As far food goes, be sure to check the internal temperature of all meats before serving it to your family at barbecues.
Avoiding Dehydration
If the kids are playing under the hot sun, it’s important to have plenty of water, juice, fruit, and additional healthy snacks. Your little ones require fuel in order to avoid dangerous heat-related illnesses such as low blood-sugar or dehydration.
Be smart, be safe, and enjoy summer with your loved ones!
