Summer Safety Tips for Kids

The weather is getting hotter, and the school year is winding down. It’s time to prepare for the upcoming summer vacation season. Many families are readying themselves for fun in the sun.

Summertime is wonderfully different from other seasons - we spend more time outdoors, giving our children more space and freedom to run, play, bike, and swim. Unfortunately, it’s also a time of increased risk for accidental injuries, sunburns, insect bites, and dehydration.

The good news is most summer mishaps are preventable with a little common sense and thoughtful planning.

Preventing Sunburn

Infants under one year have very thin skin and can sunburn quickly. For young babies, clothing and shade are the best protection:

• Use floppy hats that shade the face and neck.
• Use stroller umbrellas or sunshades.

For toddlers and older children:

• Use hats and T-shirts for extra coverage.
• Apply children’s sunscreen with SPF 15+ every 4 hours and after swimming.
• Minimize tanning - skin damage builds up over the years, especially in light-skinned children.

If your child does get a sunburn, there’s no real treatment beyond cold compresses and time. Protect sunburned skin from further exposure for at least a year.

Bike Helmets and Protective Gear

Injuries from biking, scootering, skating, and rollerblading can almost all be prevented with proper gear:

• Helmets are non-negotiable. No helmet = no riding.
• Use wrist, knee, and elbow guards for rollerblading.

Swimming Safety

To prevent tragedy:

1. Never swim alone - children or adults.
2. Always supervise children actively near water.
3. Supervisors should give swimmers their full attention.
4. Use licensed lifeguards and trained water safety staff at camps and pools.
5. Respect and follow lifeguard rules at all times.
6. Use pool gates with automatic passive locks.

Preventing Dehydration

• Make sure children have unlimited access to water on hot days.
• Incorporate water play like sprinklers, water fights, and swimming.
• Let kids run around in damp clothing on hot days to stay cool.
• Pretzels are a great salty snack to replace salt lost from sweating.

Insect Bites and Stings

Ticks

• Dress kids in long sleeves and pants tucked into socks in high grass or woods.
• Use insect repellent with DEET on exposed skin and clothing.
• Perform daily tick checks, especially in hair and behind ears.

If a tick is found:

• Remove it with tweezers. It’s okay if a small part remains in the skin.
• Wash the area and monitor for rashes or flu-like symptoms.
• Save the tick in alcohol for lab testing if needed.

Bee Stings

• Use ice to reduce pain and swelling.
• If there are hives, swelling, wheezing, or itching - give Benadryl and call 911.
• Children with previous severe reactions should carry an Epipen.

Spider Bites

Usually harmless. Look for blisters, and clean the area as needed.

Mosquito Bites

• Use mosquito netting for infants.
• Apply repellents and remove standing water from outdoor spaces.
• Scratched bites can get infected - use anti-itch creams like praxamine or hydrocortisone, and antibiotic ointments as needed.

Toddler Supervision

Toddlers are unpredictable and lack common sense. Never leave a toddler in the care of another child. Tragedies happen in a moment - be alert and present.

Final Thoughts

A relaxed, active summer is a beautiful way to recharge with our families. By staying mindful and using basic common sense, we can enjoy a season full of fun and free of unnecessary risks.