Summer is a time for children to enjoy the outdoors, stay active, and create lasting memories with family and friends. From swimming and biking to playground adventures and family vacations, the season offers countless opportunities for fun. At Orleans Community Health, we want to help families make the most of summer while staying safe and healthy.
Here are eight important summer safety tips to keep children protected all season long:
1. Always Wear a Helmet
Biking, skateboarding, and riding scooters are favorite summer activities. Make sure your child wears a properly fitted helmet every time they ride. Teach children to follow traffic rules, learn and use hand signals, and stay alert to all those around you. Bright-colored clothing and reflectors can also help improve visibility.
2. Protect Skin from the Sun
Too much sun exposure can lead to painful sunburns and increase the risk of skin damage later in life. Apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher at least 15 minutes before going outdoors and reapply every two hours – or more often after swimming or sweating. Hats, sunglasses, and lightweight protective clothing can provide additional protection.
3. Stay Hydrated
Children can become dehydrated quickly during hot weather, especially when they’re active. Encourage frequent water breaks throughout the day, even if they don’t feel thirsty. Carry refillable water bottles and choose water over sugary beverages.
4. Know the Signs of Heat Illness
Summer temperatures can sometimes become dangerously high. Parents should watch for signs of heat exhaustion. These can include dizziness, headaches, nausea, excessive sweating, fatigue, and/or muscle cramps. If symptoms occur, move your child to a cool area, provide water, and seek medical attention if symptoms worsen. Whenever possible, schedule outdoor activities during cooler morning or evening hours, especially during days of higher temperatures.
5. Practice Water Safety
Whether at a pool, lake, beach, or any other water area, constant adult supervision is essential. Sign children up for swim lessons and teach them basic water safety rules. Always use properly fitted life jackets when boating or participating in water sports and remember that flotation toys are not substitutes for supervision.
6. Prevent Tick and Mosquito Bites
Ticks and mosquitoes are common during summer months and can carry illnesses. Use child-safe insect repellent when spending time outdoors, particularly in wooded or grassy areas. Perform tick checks after outdoor activities, paying close attention to the scalp, behind the ears, underarms, and around the waistline. Wearing light-colored clothing can help make ticks easier to spot.
7. Stay Safe on Playgrounds
Playgrounds provide excellent opportunities for exercise and social interaction. Check equipment for hot surfaces before use, especially metal slides and swings. Ensure children use age-appropriate equipment and encourage safe play to reduce the risk of falls and injuries.
8. Never Leave Children in a Parked Vehicle
Even on mild days, temperatures inside a vehicle can rise rapidly and become life-threatening within minutes. Never leave a child unattended in a car, even briefly. Always check the back seat before locking your vehicle and encourage caregivers to develop reminders to prevent accidental heat-related tragedies.
Enjoy a Safe and Healthy Summer
Summer should be filled with fun and memorable experiences. By following these simple safety tips, families can reduce risks and focus on making the most of the season.
If your child needs a wellness visit, sports physical, immunizations, or treatment for an illness or injury, the team at Orleans Community Health is here to help. Together, let’s make this summer a safe, healthy, and active one for every child.