Summer is here and although this season is full of plenty of opportunities for both adults and kids to play, it also present a lot of opportunities to get hurt. The good news is, most summer accidents and injuries are preventable. Here are some summer safety tips so you can have a mostly worry free blast this season!
Be safe with fireworks. Most children’s favorite is the ‘Sparkler’ but they result in hundreds of burns every year. Use Sparklers only with adults present and have a bucket of water available to dunk fireworks into once they have been spent. Only adults should light fireworks and it should be done in a safe open space with no brush that can catch fire. To be more safe, consider going to a public fireworks display put on by the professionals.
Keep swimming pools closed off and locked unless in use and an adult is supervising. Teaching young children how to float should they fall in is also a great idea. Even infants can be taught this skill by a swim instructor. Never leave young kids to play in kiddie pools alone. It only takes an inch or two of water for a child to drown and a second for it to happen.
Wear sunscreen every day even if it’s cloudy. Many people think they don’t need sunscreen if the day is not sunny but this is false as sunburns can happen even on cloudy days and you won’t notice them as quickly. Make sure to reapply if you will be doing anything in the water or that will cause you to perspire.
Keep summer exercise outdoors for both kids and adults limited on very hot or humid days. Make sure you can find shade wherever you will be and drink lots of water before heading outdoors as well as while you are participating in activities.
Check your backseat every single time you get out of the car if you have or are watching kids. You may not think it can happen to you, but every year children and infants are forgotten about in the backseat of cars and die or are seriously injured by heat stroke. And of course, never leave a child or a pet in the backseat of a car intentionally even if it’s for “just a minute”.
Always insist all boaters wear life vests. Even for someone who is a good swimmer, this can be a life saving device as water can pull you way under and cause confusion that makes it difficult to know which direction to swim should you get into an accident.
Do tick checks after being in the outdoors or camping. Ticks carry many illnesses like Lyme disease and Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever, these illnesses can cause chronic injury and even death. Wear light colored clothing, tuck pants into socks and buddy check for ticks and shower within 2 hours of coming home.
Be safe with lawn mowers. Don’t allow children to ride on them as a passenger and if you will be using a push mower, make sure the safety handle works to shut off the blade when you release it.
