Summer is finally here, and we are ready to enjoy it! During all the fun you may have planned, remember these safety tips to make your summer shine bright!
Sun Safety:
• For young children, schedule activities in early morning hours or evening hours when temperatures will be lower.
• Always use sunscreen, even on cloudy days! Use sunscreen with minimum of SPF 15 with both UVA and UVB protection.
• Apply sunscreen 20 minutes before going outdoors.
• Reapply sunscreen frequently, especially if swimming or sweating.
• Protect your eyes too! Wear a hat and sunglasses.
• Stay hydrated! Hot weather can increase risk of heat-related illness. Keep water on hand and look for shade in the hottest parts of the day.
Water Safety:
• Designate a “pool-watcher” when children are swimming. When many gather together, adults may think someone else is watching. Having one person that’s in charge can increase safety.
• Never depend on floaties or flotation devices to take the place of close supervision.
• Know in advance which children are able to swim and those that cannot. All children need to be supervised. Remember that no child or adult is “drown-proof.”
• Make sure safety fences and gate latches around the pool are in excellent condition and out of children’s reach.
• Keep rescue equipment on hand and a fully charged phone on hand in case of emergency.
• If boating, always have kids wear life-jackets and have one available for each adult. Life-jackets also need to be appropriately fitted
Keep Moving, but Safely!
• Stay active during the summer, children and adults alike tend to gain weight during these months of vacation. Summer is a wonderful time to head outside and be active!
• Check playground equipment before letting kids play on it. Look for surfaces that are too hot that could cause burns, loose ropes, or broken swing chains or seats.
• Always supervise children on playground equipment. Teach them safe habits to reduce chance of injury.
• Always wear a helmet when biking, skating, skateboarding, or scooting.
• Children should not wear headphones while riding, as they block traffic sounds and increase risk of pedestrian injuries.
Teen Safety:
• Talk with your teen about safe driving. Teen drivers are involved in 4 times more crashes than adults, especially during the 100 days after Memorial Day when more teens are driving more often.
• Discuss distracted driving. Most teen driving accidents are due to looking at a smart phone screen. Some phone apps can block phone use while driving.
Outdoor Safety: Be prepared for bug bites and more!
• Keep a first aid kit ready and well stocked so you’re prepared for insect bites (As well as cuts and bruises from that outside summer fun kids love to have)!
• Use insect repellents with DEET on children only sparingly, as DEET can be toxic. Repellents with 10-30 percent concentrations of DEET may be used if you choose to do so, but do not apply to face or hands.
• Be prepared for insects that can pose hazards. If anyone is allergic to bees or other pests, it is vital to have medicine available. Checking for ticks may be relevant as well.
• Keep a list of emergency numbers in the kit that includes phone numbers for doctors, dentists, poison control, and emergency contacts.
Now, let’s enjoy the time off and fun in the sun. You deserve it! Share these safety tips with friends and family, and have a safe and happy summer!