With the warm weather upon us and with kids spending more time outdoors, it is a good time to focus on their health and safety. Read through PediatriCare’s guide to summer safety, and contact us with any questions.
By The Water Summer Safety
No matter if it’s by a pool, a lake, or the sea, there are certain steps all parents and caregivers can enforce and encourage to keep your children healthy and safe.
Be sure they wear sunscreen and hats at all times while having fun swimming. Kids should wear sunglasses, and sunscreen should be at least SPF 30. Reapply as needed. Don’t forget that the sun reflects off the water and sand to create even more hazards.
It doesn’t matter if it’s a cloudy day, as the UV rays can still cause damage. Slather that sunscreen on everywhere, better to use too much than not enough. Don’t forget the back of the neck and knees.
Try to avoid being outside between 10 AM and 4 PM, when the sun’s rays are the most dangerous. We know that can be hard to do, but if properly outfitted and with time in the shade or under an umbrella, you can avoid sunburns and other skin issues that might occur later in life.
Never leave your small children unattended in a pool. Be sure your older children know rescue techniques and can swim well before leaving them unattended for short periods of time.
Bug Safety
Creepy crawlers and stinging flying insects love the summer just as much as kids do. Choose safe repellents to avoid insects carrying West Nile Virus or ticks with Lyme disease. If you will be near wooded areas or hiking, be sure to dress your kids in long sleeve shirts and pants.
30% is the recommended amount of Deet concentration that should be in repellants. Don’t let it get on your child’s hands or face and wash off entirely at night.
In addition, pay attention to the following:
- Don’t allow water to collect in buckets or containers outside, as they act as breeding grounds for mosquitoes
- Avoid being out at dusk when mosquitoes are numerous
- Don’t let your children walk around with sweetened juices, as they attract bees and wasps
Summer Sporting Safety
As summer sports ramp up and kids are out in the heat, be sure they are drinking plenty of water to prevent dehydration. They should hydrate before they play a sport, during the workout as they take breaks, and afterwards. Make sure they leave the house with extra water.
Helmets and other protective gear should be non-negotiables if they want to play certain sports and ride bikes and skateboards.
Summer should be a fun and relaxing time for both parents and kids, but only if everyone is paying attention to safety.
Contact PediatriCare of Northern Virginia at (703) 330-3939, or request an appointment online, if your child has a water accident or sports related injury this summer.