How To Keep Your Children Safe This Summer

Hooray, Summer is here! Children everywhere are rejoicing. However, it is also one of the most dangerous seasons for children. Here are some tips for keeping those precious children safe this summer.

Pool Safety
Of course, the #1 concern is keeping children from drowning. Never let a child swim alone, and keep children supervised when a body of water is nearby. Keep a locked gate around all swimming pools. Your own children or a neighbor's could wander in and drown if a gate is not surrounding your pool. Also, consider buying a pool alarm which would sound if something is sensed falling in. Lastly, consider installing a drain cover in your pool or hot tub. This is becoming a law in many states, which prevent hair getting caught in pool drains. Many children have lost their lives by getting their hair sucked in drains.

Sunscreen
Kids need sunscreen with at least SPF 30 to keep them from getting sunburned. Choose one that is waterproof, and that protects them from both UVA and UVB rays. Sun exposure is cumulative, which means today's sun can cause cancer later in life. There is no excuse, No matter what nationality you are or how dark your skin is, people of all ages should be wearing sunscreen. Please give your child an early start on sun exposure. Lather up!

Helmets
These days, they sell bicycle helmets for kids in all sizes and at low prices. It is really the easiest thing you can do to protect your child from head injuries. Make sure they have it on at all times when riding on anything that moves. If they complain about the helmet, then no ride. Head injuries are a top cause of child mortalities. If they are skateboarding, you also should consider knee pads and elbow pads. Above all though, their litte heads need to be protected. The risk far outweighs any excuse for a child not in a helmet.

Automobile Safety
Buckle up in seatbelts every time you ride in a car. Always keep your baby in a carseat, and always in the backseat. Make sure your child meets the American Academy of Pediatrics' guidelines for his/her age, height and weight. Also worth mentioning for summertime is drinking and driving. PLEASE, do not get behind the wheel of a car if you ahve been drinking. Educate teenagers on the dangers of driving while under the influence of drugs and alcohol. Also, make sure they are not using their cell phones or texting while driving.

Lightning
Summer is the peak season for thunderstorms. Which means many people get struck by lightning. This can often be prevented. Make sure to get indoors during the first sign of a thunderstorm. When swimming, make sure everyone gets out of the pool at the very first roar of thunder. Keep children off of sports fields and golf ranges during storms. To be safe, plan on indoor activities on days which storms are in the forecast.

Follow the above precautions, and your children should make it through the summer in one piece. Enjoy yourselves, and have a safe summer!