Stay Safe in the Summer

Summer weather has arrived and when it gets too hot outside the kids just want to cool off.  Make it a fun and safe trip to the local pool, lake, or beach!

Be sure to protect yourself

While spending all day by the water, don’t forget to apply plenty of sunscreen. It’s recommended to apply a minimum of SPF 30 to prevent painful sunburns.  There are many different types that can be found at your local drug or grocery store. Be sure to get one that is waterproof and sweat proof. Reapply if they’ve been in the water a lot.  

Keep cool

Make sure you bring plenty of water and liquids to keep yourself and the kids hydrated.  Heatstroke and dehydration can ruin an otherwise great day.  You can try avoiding the hottest hours  of the day from 10am to 4pm or be sure to call the kids back in for a water/juice break every hour or so.  

Also be sure to protect your child’s eyes from harsh UV rays, get a pair of sunglasses which will block out both UVA and UVB rays. Walking around all day pool side can expose your child’s feet to sharp rocks and rough concrete. To prevent scraped feet encourage them to wear water shoes or flip flops instead of going barefoot. 

Water Safety

The best thing to stay safe in the water is to learn to swim. There are many classes available at your local community pool designed for all ages. Children should learn to respect the rules of the water. Water splashed beside the pool can make the tiles or concrete slippery. Always walk to keep a good footing. Teach your children to use a feet-first entry. Only go headfirst when they’re in a clearly marked diving area without obstructions.

When swimming with the family set general guidelines based on swimming abilities. With young children, set limits to stay in water less than chest deep. Children should always swim with a buddy; never alone. In case anything happens, they can go for help.  If you’re by the beach or lake find out any potential hazards, such as sudden deep areas, currents, or low lying obstructions.  The more you know, the safer you’ll be.  

Backyard Pool Safety

If your cooling off in your backyard pool, keep a cordless phone nearby so you can call 9-1-1 in case of an emergency. You can take a course on CPR and insist any caretakers do too.  Enclose the pool with a secure self-locking fence, and keep it clear of furniture to prevent a toddler from climbing over. Also keep toys away from the pool when not in use; toys can attract kids to the pool when you let them play in the yard. Keep safety items near the pool at all times, a rope, pole, and lifejacket are recommended.