Every summer, kids stream out of school heading to a pool, playground, or some other outside activity. While it is great to get kids outdoors, there are specific steps parents need to take to make sure their children stay safe all summer long.
According to James Fortenberry, M.D., the Pediatrician-in-Chief at Children's Healthcare of Atlanta, “Unintentional Injuries are the leading cause of death in children ages 1 to 14. Kids can’t wait for summer. However, along with school vacation, warm weather and outdoor sports comes an extra dose of responsibility for parents.”
Just because summer is an accident-prone time, does not mean kids need to stay inside. With some planning and effort, parents can educate themselves and their children about summer safety and find ways to have a safe, healthy and fun summer break. The experts at Children's Healthcare of Atlanta put together a list of five areas to focus on for summer safety.
1. Water Safety
It should go without saying that children around water can be a dangerous combination. Unfortunately, nearly 900 children die each year from drowning. It is the second leading cause of unintentional death in children ages 14 and under.
Parents can prevent this fate for their children by teaching and practicing general water safety rules, using life jackets, and obtaining swim lessons for their children. An adult should always supervise children when they are around water.
2. Play Safety.
Summer means more daylight and therefore more outdoor activities. This combination can also add up to more broken ones and accidental injuries. Simply being aware of the areas where children can get hurt and having the appropriate safety equipment can prevent many injuries. Again, supervision is key.
Making sure the equipment, especially at a playground, is well-maintained and there are no moving parts that can pinch or trap a body part is important, too.
3. Sun and Skin Safety
Sunburns are not just a pesky annoyance. They can create serious injuries and even lead to cancer. The most dangerous form of skin cancer, melanoma, accounts for up to 3 percent of all pediatric cancers and can be caused by excessive sun exposure.
It is the most dangerous form of skin cancer and can spread rapidly to different parts of the body. A liberal application of sunscreen can protect kids and guard against sunscreen and maybe even cancer!
4. Heat Safety
Just as parents should protect the outside of their children from the effects of the hot sun, they need to protect the inside as well. Children die each year from completely preventable heat-related illness.
Keeping kids hydrated when playing outside, especially when the temperatures soar, is a necessity. Parents of babies and young children also need to make sure they are not overheating either.
5. Fireworks Safety
The last area to focus on when it comes to keeping kids safe this summer is an easy one. Just don't let kids play with fireworks. Even "safe" ones, like sparklers, can reach up to 1000 degrees Fahrenheit! By leaving the fireworks to the professionals, kids can enjoy the fun and prevent any burns that setting off fireworks could create.
Trips in the summer should be to the beach, not to the Emergency Room. With just a few preventative measures, parents can help to keep their kids safe, healthy and happy this summer.
Sources:
CHOA.org. Web. 10 June 2013. "Summer safety.".
http://www.choa.org/Child-Wellness/Summer-Safety
AAP.org. Web. 10 June 2013. "Summer safety tips".
http://www.aap.org/en-us/about-the-aap/aap-press-room/news-features-and-safety-tips/Pages/Summer-Safety-Tips.aspx
Reviewed June 11, 2013
By Michele Blacksberg RN
Edited by Jody Smith