Well, almost. The last day of school is Wednesday, May 29, which means there are thousands of excited kids that can’t wait to spend the next 10 weeks never once thinking about school. Summer fun is a staple in the lives is of most school-aged children, but in order to have a great summer it is important to keep in mind some key summer safety tips.Â
Sun Safety
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- We live in Florida, so it is inevitable that kids will be spending a considerable amount of time in the sun this summer. Protecting your kids from sun damage is an easy way to keep them safe this summer. Make sure your children are applying sunscreen (SPF 15 or higher) at least 30 minutes before sun exposure, and reapply every 2 hours as needed. Another great way to block harmful UV rays is through accessories such as hats and sunglasses. Remember, never underestimate the power of UVA and UVB rays – you can still get a sunburn even if it’s cloudy!
Bugs, Bugs Bugs
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- Not only are summer bugs a nuisance, they can also be potentially harmful to kids. Never leave stagnant pools of water around the house, as they often serve as a breeding ground for pesky mosquitos. Be careful when using pesticides – do not apply to a child’s hands or face to avoid ingestion. (Pro Tip: A good alternative to inspect repellants are dryer sheets!) Additionally, bugs are drawn to the sweet scents of soaps, lotions, perfumes, etc., so another great way to deter annoying bugs is by avoiding products with strong scents.Â
Hydrate
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- There is no avoiding the summer heat! Summer hasn’t even officially started and we are already experiencing temperatures in the 90s. Prevent dehydration by incorporating water breaks when your children are playing outside. If your little one isn’t keen on drinking water, give them a Gatorade or try using a water enhancer such as Mio.Â
Food Safety
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- Warm outside temperatures can cause food bacteria to grow faster than normal. Be sure to keep track of how long food has gone without refrigeration. With outdoor activities and summer parties more common, it can be easy to accidentally consume prepared foods that have been outside for too long. As a good rule of thumb, don’t consume any perishable food that has been outside longer than two hours.Â
Water Safety
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- Between the months of May and August, drowning incidents increase by 89%. Never let children swim alone, always have adult supervision when children are in or around a body of water. If you have a private pool, ensure there are barriers around the water to keep kids out when an adult is not present. Finally, get CPR certified. It only take a second for something to happen, having your CPR certification can mean the difference in life and death.Â
Following these safety precautions, and ensuring they are instilled in your little one’s will make for a safe, fun, and amazing summer. As always, our offices will be open every day until 11 p.m. to assist with unplanned illness or injury, and keep your summer plans on track! If you have questions about summer safety, call the Your Kid’s Urgent Care location nearest you.Â
Resource: https://www.verywellfamily.com/top-summer-safety-checklist-tips-620524.
