Safety Tips for Summer

Hooray! Summer is here. School is out and fun in the sun is in. But just because this carefree season is upon us doesn’t mean that precaution isn’t important. There are hazards the summer brings that all parents must pay attention to. Here are some safety tips for summer to keep your kids protected while they enjoy the vacation. It’s always better to be cautious. Follow these guidelines for a safe summer without incident.

Sunscreen

Kids love to play outdoors, but a nasty burn will ruin the day. Not only is a sunburn painful and unsightly, it can be dangerous. Be sure to apply a high SPF sunscreen to your child’s skin about 30 minutes before they play outside. Even if it’s overcast, the rays of the sun can still sting. A baseball cap can also protect their face even further. If possible, play in the shade when available and try to avoid the peak hours of sunshine. Reapply sunscreen after swimming to be sure your child is covered.

Swim Safety

No matter how advanced a swimmer your child may be, water safety is a must. Do not let your child swim without a lifeguard on duty and keep an eye on your child at all times. If your child is not a strong swimmer, a life vest will be a safety net. If you are at the beach, swim in designated areas only. At the pool, stay in the shallow end unless your child has been taught to swim in the deeper water by an instructor. Additionally, never allow your child to swim in a T-shirt or loose-fitting clothing. This can pose a danger if the clothing gets tangled or caught in a drain.

Beware of Bugs

It’s bug season. While we cannot avoid the bugs, we can protect our kids from getting bit. Spray them with a safe bug spray to keep mosquitos and other pests off their skin. If you are in a region where ticks are common, check your child’s body and hair when they are done playing outside. Bug bites are inevitable but do all you can to minimize their occurrence. Your child will be thankful!

Stay Hydrated

It is important to say well-hydrated all year-round, but the summer heat makes it even more important to fill up with plenty of water. Sweating makes the body lose water. Replenish it with lots of fluids all day long. Not only will this keep your child healthy, but they’ll feel cooler and more energized. Bottoms up!

Have a fun and safe summer! For more information like this, visit All My Children’s blogs.

By: Melissa A. Kay