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Three Tips for Summer Safety

Now that school is out, many families are heading outdoors for recreation and activities. Whether in the water, hiking parks, the ballfield or backyard, precautionary measures should be taken so kids and all family members are safe with water, sun, and injuries.

Tip 1: Water safety

Swimming in the pool and playing in the sprinklers are favorite summer activities. However, drowning is the leading cause of death among children ages 1 to 4.

Water safety tips from CDC include:

• Always supervise children in or around water. A responsible adult should constantly watch young children.
• Teach kids to swim. Formal swimming lessons can protect young children from drowning.
• Learn CPR. Knowing this skill can be critical in a time of need.
• When boating, always wear a properly fitted life jacket.

 Tip 2: Beat the Heat and Sun

Overheating and sunstroke can occur in healthy children, youth, and adults if they participate in outdoor activities during hot weather. If someone shows signs of heat exhaustion or heat stroke, move him or her to a cool location and seek medical help.

To avoid over-heating:

• Never leave infants, children, or pets in a parked car, even if the windows are cracked open.
• Dress infants and children in loose, lightweight, light-colored clothing.
• Schedule outdoor activities in the morning and evening hours.
• Keep cool with cool showers or baths.

Learn the signs of heat stroke or exhaustion:

Also, just a few serious sunburns can lead to skin cancer in the years ahead. Tanning is the skin’s way of trying to protect itself from harmful UV rays from the sun.

To prevent sunburn:

• Cover up. Clothing that covers the skin helps protect against UV rays.
• Use sunscreen with at least SPF (sun protection factor) 15 and UVA (ultraviolet A) and UVB (ultraviolet B) protection every time you and your child go outside.

Get more tips for preventing sunburn

 Tip 3: Prevent injuries

Nearly everyone is more active and spends more time outdoors this time of year. Falls at home and on the playground are common sources of injuries and visits to the emergency room.

To avoid injury:

• Make certain playgrounds are well maintained and have soft landing spots underneath playground equipment.
• When participating in summer sports, be sure appropriate protective gear is used.
• Parents and teens should be able to perform basic first aid so remember to pack a first aid kit.

 Enjoy fun in the sun but remember to make safety a top priority so that summer is incident and accident free.

Material accesses on 6/4/21: https://extension.usu.edu/news_sections/home_family_and_food/summer-safety By: Kathleen Riggs, Utah State University Extension family and consumer sciences professor, kathleen.riggs@usu.edu or 435-586-8132