With the hot weather comes unique safety concerns for parents. Kids are outside more often. They’re playing in water more often. They have much more free time in the sun. Summer safety tips are important for families wanting to enjoy the warmth of the sun and all it has to offer without having to constantly worry about their children.

Six Summer Safety Tips Every Parent Should Know

1. Sun protection. Respect the sun. Always protect yourselves and your children from the harmful rays that can burn. Even on overcast days when the sun doesn’t seem to be dangerous, sunburns can still occur. Be sure you’re using sunscreen effectively (reapplying as directed) and cover up (hats, umbrellas, etc) whenever possible.
2. Water safety. Get swim lessons for your children. But NEVER assume that removes your duty as a supervisor in and around the pool. Even experienced swimmers can get fatigued and get into trouble in the pool. Always watch your children. NEVER use flotation devices as a substitute for supervision. Do not leave young children unattended in a swimming pool…even a small “kiddy” pool. Quickly evacuate the pool area at the first sign of thunder/lightening.
3. Avoid dehydration. The extreme heat some areas experience during the summer months can be terribly dangerous. Pay attention to local heat advisories. If it’s going to be too hot and water activities aren’t on the agenda, it’s probably best to keep the kids inside. When outdoor activities are in order, be sure to keep everyone well-hydrated. Note: thirst is not the most reliable indicator of dehydration. Kids should drink 12 ounces of water 30 minutes before going out to play. Kids under 90 pounds should drink 5 ounces every 20 minutes while outside. Kids over that weight should be drinking 9 ounces every 20 minutes.
4. NEVER leave children in a hot car. Never ever. A car in the hot sun heats up about 19-degrees per minute. And children are much more at risk for heat strokes than adults are. It takes very little time for the scorching heat inside the car to become a potentially life-threatening environment for a child. Don’t do it.
5. Traffic safety. More children are playing outside. Be sure you always check and recheck before you back out of your driveway or a parking spot. And be on high alert in residential areas for kids on bikes/scooters/skateboards.
6. Head-injury protection. Always make your child wear an approved safety helmet when riding a bike or skateboard. Be sure he knows to fasten the chin strap as well. Make it a hard and fast rule. No helmet=no wheels.

With some common sense and attention to safety tips, the summer months can be an incredibly fun time for our children. Enjoy!

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