School is out and children all over the US look forward to a summer filled with fun and outdoor activities.
Whether it is swimming at the pool or the beach, taking on adventure at amusement parks, connecting with nature through hiking and camping, or simply running around in your own backyard with friends, every fun thing to do brings both joy and a potential risk of harm.
Parents need to be aware of the dangers that some activities can pose to their children, and take precautionary measures accordingly.
But, before we look into these, perhaps the first thing parents should do is simply apply sun block to their child’s face and skin. UVB and UVA rays can cause skin cancer and at the very least, damage skin through sunburns. Help protect your child’s skin with sun block lotions and cremes.
- Pool Safety
Rule No.1: Never leave your children alone in or near the pool. An adult who knows CPR should actively supervise children at all times.
If your child is 5 years or younger, make sure you are within an arm’s length from the child.
Do not use air-filled “swimming aids”, such as swim rings, as a substitute for life vests.
Put up a fence around your pool. Young children can drown if they wander out of the house and fall into unfenced pools.
Keep a shepherd’s hook or a life preserver by the pool. Rescue equipment should be conveniently located near the pool at all times.
The Injury Prevention Program by the American Academy of Pediatrics advises to keep in mind that teaching your child how to swim DOES NOT mean your child is safe in water.
- Bikes, Scooters, Skateboards, Skates, Pogo Sticks
Rule No.1: Teach your child to wear protective gear, such as helmets and pads.
Helmets are essential. Simply, both children and adult should put their helmets on before going on a bike ride. They prevent head and brain injuries and can be the crucial safety equipment in the event of an accident.
- Summer Toys
Water guns, slingshots, toy rockets, and any pointed toy can cause serious eye injuries. Teach your child to avoid aiming these things are another person’s face.
Although slingshots are banned in the state of Massachusetts, these Y-shaped toys can still be found on the market.
- Slip & Slide, Amusement Park Rides
Even some of the most innocent rides, like the much beloved Slip and Slide, can cause spinal cord injuries that could lead to paralysis.
Parents should also note that some rides at amusement parks can cause injury as they can jam, derail, get stuck upside-down, take sharp bends, and so on. Children are advised not to wear capes, ponchos, and similar clothing, on their day at the amusement park since the extra long materials can get caught in the mechanism and jam the ride, and in worst case scenarios, cause strangulation.
To find more information on cases of amusement ride accidents, please visit this link.
