Summer’s here, and it’s time for our little ones to get outside and have adventurous fun, enjoying the long days and warm weather. Because children are engaged in many outdoor activities now, kid safety is more important than ever. Here are some top tips on how to keep your children safe while they’re having the time of their lives.
Another activity kids enjoy during summer is swimming. Water safety is a must, whether you’re in a backyard, public pool, or lake. Like bike riding, children must always be supervised when they’re near water. If you’re having a gathering with friends or family, have adults take turns watching the kids, this gives everyone a chance to have fun and ensure the children are safe.
Since most children love being in the water, consider enrolling them in a formal swimming class. Learning to swim is more fun and can prevent accidents. For young children who haven’t learned to swim, make them wear a life jacket or approved flotation equipment, with no exceptions. Drowning is the leading cause of death in ages 1–4, and it only takes a few seconds. There’s no such thing as being too safe when your child is around water.
Fireworks, backyard fire pits, campfires, and grills go hand in hand with summer. These activities can create lasting memories for kids, but you don’t want them to be tragic.
If you’re celebrating with fireworks, keep kids safe by reading the instructions and never allowing your young child to touch or light them. Over 10,000 people are treated in emergency rooms nationwide for injuries caused by fireworks, with nearly a third being kids under 15.
Whether you’re grilling, sitting by the campfire, or fire pit, keep children at a safe distance at all times. Experts recommend a 3-foot “kid zone” around the grill or fire. Remember, skin can burn without directly touching the flame. And, like pools, the number one fire safety rule is to never leave your child unattended when a fire is present.
One activity most kids look forward to when summer arrives is getting out on their bikes. Bike riding is fun and keeps your child active. Regardless of age, your child should always wear a helmet when riding, even if they’re still on training wheels. When choosing a helmet, a good rule of thumb is to purchase one that fits correctly. To get the right fit, ensure the helmet sits no more than two fingers above the child’s eyes, and the strap fits slightly below the ear. Furthermore, adjust the strap, so you can’t fit more than two fingers between their chin and the strap.
Additionally, your child should always wear closed-toe shoes because riding with sandals or barefoot can cause them to slip off the pedals or injure their toes.
Lastly, children under ten should stick to riding on the sidewalk. Once you’re comfortable that your child is old enough to venture out on their own, they must know the rules of the road and how to ride safely. Enrolling your kid in a bike safety class is an excellent idea if one is available in your town, so they’re prepared.
Finally, teach your children to walk on sidewalks; if none are available, teach them to walk facing traffic and as far left as possible. Remind them to always look both ways twice before crossing the street, and insist they do so only at designated crosswalks with traffic signals.
Another pedestrian safety tip that’s becoming more applicable to all ages is to be aware of your surroundings and avoid distractions. This means putting your phone away and removing headphones around traffic or crossing the street. If your child must use their phone, teach them to get to a safe place where they can stop walking and talk without getting distracted.
Water Safety
Fire Safety
Bicycle Safety
Pedestrian Safety
