Top Summer Safety Concerns And Their Prevention

Summer is a time filled with warm childhood memories, but it also comes with various safety concerns for infants, young children, and kids. Just as you childproof your home and stay vigilant about potential dangers from household items for your little ones, it’s crucial to be mindful of the specific hazards that accompany summer activities.

We’re all excited about the summer and spending more time outdoors, under the sun, at playgrounds, and near water—but we aim to do so with safety as our top priority. Here’s a compilation of common safety issues to watch out for this summer. Let’s join hands in keeping our children safe and happy throughout the season. Below, discover 10 prevalent summer safety risks and ways to mitigate them!

Warm Water From Outdoor Hoses

Outdoor hoses left in the sun, especially under direct sunlight, can hold dangerously hot water. Even if the hose seems empty, residual water from earlier use could have heated up to scalding temperatures in the sun. Children have suffered second-degree and third-degree burns from hot water inside hoses.

To prevent this, consider storing hoses indoors. Additionally, ensure thorough drainage of the hose before storing it away. Using a hose wheel can aid in emptying the water completely each time. When turning on the hose initially, it’s wise to direct the water away from individuals or pets until you confirm it is at a safe temperature.

Unattended Children in Vehicles

Regrettably, every year, tragic deaths occur when children are left alone in hot cars. Despite thinking it could never happen to you, car interiors can heat up rapidly. Furthermore, a child’s body heats up 3-5 times quicker than that of adults. Shockingly, heatstroke fatalities can happen in shaded parked cars at temperatures as low as 57 degrees, even with cracked windows.

The foremost precaution is to never leave a child unsupervised in a vehicle, even for a brief moment. Additional safety measures include:

• Regularly checking the back seat each time you exit the car
• Placing a reminder in the front seat, like a toy or stuffed animal belonging to the child
• Storing a vital item in the back, such as your phone, wallet, or purse
• Requesting the school or daycare to notify you if your child is absent
• Locking your car at home too, as children might climb in and get trapped without your knowledge

As a bystander, if you spot a child alone in a vehicle, immediately dial 911 for assistance.

Dehydration

The combination of heat and sunshine can quickly lead to dehydration, especially when children may not vocalize their thirst promptly. While they might prefer juice over water, it’s vital to ensure proper hydration during summer. Follow these strategies to keep them hydrated:

• Encourage frequent water breaks, ideally every 30 minutes
• Incorporate electrolytes occasionally through beverages like Gatorade and Smart Water
• Encourage snacking on water-rich foods like watermelon and cucumbers

Sunshades Using Blankets

Thin swaddle blankets may seem suitable for draping over car or stroller seats, but even thin blankets can restrict airflow, raising internal seat temperatures to hazardous levels. Instead of using a swaddle or thin blanket for cover, consider the following:

• Utilizing the built-in canopy of the car seat or stroller seat
• Attaching a fan to the stroller or car seat handle (when the car seat is not inside a vehicle)
• Applying sunscreen on babies aged 6 months and older
• Dressing them in lightweight, UV-protective clothing
• Attaching a stroller umbrella
• Investing in a mesh, UV-protective, and transparent cover

Lack of Sun Protection for Infants

Sunscreen is not always recommended for babies under 6 months. The American Academy of Pediatrics suggests keeping infants below 6 months away from direct sunlight. Younger babies are less efficient at sweating, making them more susceptible to overheating and heat-related issues. Their delicate skin burns easily in the sun and is more prone to sunscreen side effects like irritation or rashes. Nevertheless, sunscreen can be applied to exposed areas of babies under 6 months old, according to AAP.

A portable sunshade or tent is an excellent option for locations with limited shade. Umbrellas or canopies also work, but on reflective surfaces, these methods may only reduce ultraviolet radiation exposure by half, according to AAP.

Sliding Down a Slide with Your Child

While it may seem like harmless fun when your child asks you to go down the slide together, this activity can pose risks. Your child’s foot may catch on the edge of the slide while descending on your lap, potentially leading to a leg injury due to twisting forces. Interestingly, most slide injuries in infants and toddlers involve broken legs from sliding with someone else. If your child isn’t ready to slide alone yet, it’s best to wait until they are comfortable—or offer to support them as they slide down.

Hot Campfire Embers

Precautions are necessary not only around active or recently extinguished campfires but also around the smoldering embers. Approximately 70% of campfire burns stem from embers rather than flames, as per the American Burn Association. Fire pits retain heat sufficient to cause severe burns for up to 12 hours post-extinguishing. Thus, last evening’s campfire could still pose dangers the next morning.

To extinguish a campfire completely, douse it with water and stir using a shovel to wet any remaining embers or ashes, turning over wood and coals to moisten everything. Proceed to smother the fire with dirt or sand, ensuring complete coverage.

Incorrect Life Jacket Usage

Swimming and boating are enjoyable summer pursuits, which can be safe with appropriate gear. The AAP advises children to wear life jackets at all times near natural water bodies like lakes or rivers—be it in water, on water, or in proximity to it. Babies and children who cannot swim competently or are weak swimmers should use life jackets around pools and water parks as well.

Utilize exclusively approved life jackets

that have been authorized by the U.S. Coast Guard. The label can be located on the inner part of the jacket. Different kinds of life jackets are:

– Type 1 Life Jacket: This type provides the best floatation and is constructed to rotate an individual who is unconscious in the water to a face-up and slightly backward orientation. It is specifically tailored for open waters and oceans and is available in only two sizes – one for adults over 90 pounds and another for children under 90 pounds.

– Type 2 Life Jacket: This kind can also reposition a person upright and slightly backward, though not to the extent of Type 1. It is accessible in various sizes suitable for children.

– Type 3 Life Jacket: These jackets are intended for use in serene, inland waters. In addition to this, the U.S. Coast Guard has sanctioned the use of a puddle jumper as an alternative to a Type 3 life jacket in calm, shallow water.

More Life Jacket Pointers

Life jackets are categorized by type, the target user group (e.g., children or adults), and weight. Ensure the life jacket corresponds to the correct size for your child, fits snugly, and is put on as directed with all straps secured. Life vests designed for infants and young children should include cushioned head support to aid in keeping their heads above water. It is advisable to review local regulations as some regions mandate youngsters to wear life jackets featuring the heads-up design on boats until they meet a certain age.

While life jackets are undoubtedly beneficial, they are not a substitute for adult supervision around bodies of water. The AAP recommends appointing an adult as a designated “water watcher.” This individual is responsible for closely and consistently monitoring children in the water. Moreover, dressing your kids in vibrant, neon-colored swimsuits – orange, yellow, or green – is advisable, as these hues were determined to be the most discernible in studies conducted by specialists. Conversely, light blue and white swimsuits were identified as the least conspicuous for locating little ones in water. **To learn more about summer water safety tips for children, refer to our comprehensive guide here.**

Insect Stings

As much as we relish the arrival of summer, so do insects. Most of the time, the buzzing and crawling critters around us are harmless. However, there are instances where flies, mosquitoes, and ticks can transmit severe illnesses. Familiarizing yourself with the dangers posed by each species is a good starting point for combating them. Additionally, donning lightweight, long-sleeved tops and pants, applying an EPA-approved insect repellent, and checking for ticks after outdoor endeavors are invaluable safety precautions.