Summer is the time for children to really explore the world and use their imaginations and that exploration can accelerate when school starts and summer hasn’t quit yet. The outdoors present an abundance of curiosities, and we want to encourage children to learn more about their environments. However, you don’t want a good day to devolve into an unpleasant accident, so follow our list of summer safety tips for children in order to enjoy peace of mind while they enjoy their summer. New school friends can result in children becoming adventuresome as they try to impress friends.
1. Use Bug Spray and Sunscreen
Whether the sky is a clear blue or covered in clouds, children can suffer nasty sunburns when they’re outside for extended periods of time. Sunscreen should be reapplied every two hours to ensure the best results. Bug spray is also handy for preventing pesky mosquito bites, especially on any biology field trips.
2. Wear Life Jackets
With summer coming to a close, there is a tendency to pack in as much enjoyment as possible in the remaining summer days. Of course, you never want to leave your children unsupervised around water, but deep water requires maximum caution. Devices such as pool noodles and water wings are useful in shallow pools when you’re teaching your child to swim, but such devices won’t cut it when it comes to bodies of water with waves or heavy currents. Anytime you’re on the water, whether you’re on a boat or at the beach, outfit your children in life jackets and keep an eye on them at all times. Physical Education activities and crowding in hot environments can increase the risk of heat illnesses.
3. Stay Hydrated
Hydration is one of the most important things to pay attention to. Your children will be running around and sweating under the hot sun, so keep them hydrated with water—it’s best to avoid sugary drinks. Don’t allow them to drink too much water after heavy exercise, however, as that can make them sick.
4. Check for Ticks
If your children are playing in an area with tall grass and plants, check them for ticks as soon as they come inside. You want to catch any ticks right away, as they can cause illnesses such as Lyme disease. Remove ticks promptly with tweezers and apply an antibacterial solution to the wounds. Again, watch out for those biology field trips.
5. Test Metal Surfaces
Playground equipment such as slides is often made with metal, which can get very hot under the sun’s summer rays. Check the metal beforehand in order to prevent painful burns.
6. Give Your Child a Whistle
If you’re in a large public park or playground, give your child a whistle to wear around their neck. That way, if they get lost, they can blow it and you can follow the sound. The whistle can also be a deterrent in an attempted child luring incident that could occur while walking to or from school.
7. Educate Them on Strangers
When teaching your child about stranger danger, you can never repeat yourself too often. In order to make the idea really stick in their head, take a month or two to repeat the sentiment every time you go out.
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