Summer is a great time to get out there with the kids and make the most of summer vacation. But swimming in public pools and playing on the many great playgrounds the city offers can also bring dangers that aren’t present other times of the year. June is not only National Safety Month—it’s also the “official” beginning of summer. So what better time to review some summer safety tips that will help keep everyone safe?
Water Safety
It’s a sad fact, but it’s true. Drowning continues to be one of the leading causes of death for children between the ages of 1 and 4. Whether spending the day at Oasis Water Park, Sunnyslope Swimming Pool, or at the pool in your own backyard, here are some ways to stay safe.
Make sure everyone going into the water has had swimming lessons.
Install fences around home pools to keep children out when they cannot be supervised.
Always supervise children anytime they are around water.
When on a boat or on open water, everyone should wear a life jacket at all times.
Sun Safety
It’s easy for temperatures to creep in the high 90s and above on hot summer days. Heat stroke and sunburns are just two concerns these temperatures bring. Here are some ways to avoid them:
Never leave children or pets in parked cars, even if the windows are left open.
Children should be kept in lightweight and light-colored clothing.
Cool showers and/or baths can help keep kids comfortable when temperatures get high.
Sunscreen with an SPF of at least 15 should be worn at all times.
Bug Safety
Not only are insects such as mosquitoes and ticks annoying, they carry diseases such as Zika, Lyme disease, and West Nile virus. Children spend so much time outside playing that they are particularly at risk. Here are some ways to keep bugs at bay this summer:
Wear effective insect repellent when spending any amount of time outdoors.
Try to keep backyards sunny and dry, as ticks don’t like these conditions. They favor moist, shady areas so keep things like compost and wood piles away from the house.
Don’t keep standing water in kiddie pools or buckets outside. These are breeding grounds for mosquitoes.
Always check kids for ticks after they have spent time outside.
In addition to all of these safety tips, it’s always important to make sure that playground equipment is safe before it’s played on. The surfaces underneath the playground equipment should be soft and well-maintained.
If your child has been hurt while enjoying these early days of summer, call us, The Husband and Wife Law Team. You may have a valid personal injury claim, and we are here to review your case and make sure your family is protected.