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Fun in the Sun: Top 5 Summer Safety Risks for Kids

Key Points

  • The article highlights the top five summer dangers for children: swimming pools, trampolines, jungle gyms, night games, and sun exposure.
  • Swimming pools can contain harmful bacteria like E. coli, and parents should ensure children shower before swimming and monitor them closely to avoid accidents.
  • Trampolines can cause injuries like broken bones and stitches, so children should be taught safety rules and parents should know the location of the nearest urgent care.
  • Jungle gyms can cause burns, metal splinters and spread diseases, so parents should check the temperature and condition of the equipment, and ensure children wash their hands before and after play.
  • Night games can lead to injuries due to low visibility, so parents should ensure the play area is well-lit and children are within shouting distance. Sun exposure can lead to sun stroke and skin cancer, so children should be protected with sunscreen and monitored for signs of fatigue, dehydration, sunburn, and dizziness.

Every year when summer vacation arrives children sprint to trampolines, swimming pools, and nearby jungle gyms for reprieve from long school years. Sadly, many summer activities are leading causes of accidents, injuries and trips to the urgent care. However, parents who are knowledgeable about the dangers of summer are likely to keep their kids safe. Here are the leading dangers each summer that parents know about:

Fun in the Sun: Swimming Pools
Fun in the Sun: Top 5 Summer Safety Risks for Kids

Key Points

  • The article highlights the top five summer dangers for children: swimming pools, trampolines, jungle gyms, night games, and sun exposure.
  • Swimming pools can contain harmful bacteria like E. coli, and parents should ensure children shower before swimming and monitor them closely to avoid accidents.
  • Trampolines can cause injuries like broken bones and stitches, so children should be taught safety rules and parents should know the location of the nearest urgent care.
  • Jungle gyms can cause burns, metal splinters and spread diseases, so parents should check the temperature and condition of the equipment, and ensure children wash their hands before and after play.
  • Night games can lead to injuries due to low visibility, so parents should ensure the play area is well-lit and children are within shouting distance. Sun exposure can lead to sun stroke and skin cancer, so children should be protected with sunscreen and monitored for signs of fatigue, dehydration, sunburn, and dizziness.

Every year when summer vacation arrives children sprint to trampolines, swimming pools, and nearby jungle gyms for reprieve from long school years. Sadly, many summer activities are leading causes of accidents, injuries and trips to the urgent care. However, parents who are knowledgeable about the dangers of summer are likely to keep their kids safe. Here are the leading dangers each summer that parents know about:

Fun in the Sun: Swimming Pools

5. Swimming Pools

While every good parent knows that a swimming pool poses a threat of drowning, few parents are aware of the other dangers. Swimming pools are dirty. Unless a pool is frequently cleaned by professionals, it can contain trace amounts of feces from un-showered children and babies in Little Swimmers diapers: this can lead to E. coli illness, which is sometimes lethal.

If that doesn't worry you as a parent, then this fact will: up to 58 percent of public pools contain substantial enough amounts of E. coli to potentially cause illness. Well-chlorinated pools will kill bacteria eventually, but the chlorine isn't immediate. Parents should teach children to shower before swimming. Additionally, parents should monitor younger children and take them to the restroom often, to avoid risk of accidents.

Fun in the Sun: Trampolines

4. Trampolines

Trampolines are a lot of fun, especially when you add sprinklers to the mix. However, one slip or spill can lead to a broken bone or stitches. Covered springs and mesh fencing makes for a safer experience, but certainly don’t eliminate the danger. Parents should teach kids trampoline safety rules, and research the nearest urgent care in case of emergency.

Fun in the Sun: Jungle Gyms

3. Jungle Gyms

Falling from a jungle gym is not the biggest threat to a child's safety. These slick metal surfaces have been known to cause burns, metal splinters and even the spread of diseases. Check the temperature of a jungle gym and other playground equipment before your child starts playing. Inspect the area for hazards such as rust, which can lead to metal splinters and scrapes. Additionally, teach your kids to wash their hands before and after play.

Fun in the Sun:

Fun in the Sun: Night Games

2. Night Games

Kids love playing hide-and-seek in the dark, but it's not necessarily the safest time to play outside. If you allow your kids to play 'night games' with the neighbors, make sure the area is well-lit, and that your kids are within shouting-distance. That way, even if your kids do need a trip to the walk-in clinic for stitches or bruises, you'll be able to help them quickly. Set rules with the kids about not playing in the street, and checking-in at home often.

Fun in the Sun: Sun Exposure

1. Sun Exposure

Summer is a great time to get the kids outside playing, but it also introduces sun exposure risks. From sun stroke to skin cancer, there is a lot to be aware of while playing outside. Remember to keep your kids slathered in sunscreen, and monitor them for signs of fatigue, dehydration, sun burn, and dizziness. To be safe, you can buy each child an exciting and fun thermos so that they will each want to carry water with them while they play in the sun.

By arming yourself with information about the dangers that abound each summer, you can prepare your kids. While this list is in no way comprehensive, it is a good place to start researching summer safety guidelines!

Frequently asked questions

  • What are some of the dangers associated with swimming pools during summer?

    Swimming pools can pose a threat of drowning and also can be a source of harmful bacteria like E. coli. Un-showered children and babies in diapers can contaminate the pool, leading to potential illness. Even well-chlorinated pools don't kill bacteria immediately, so it's important for children to shower before swimming and for parents to monitor younger children closely.
  • What risks do trampolines pose during summer activities?

    Trampolines can be a lot of fun, but they also pose a risk of injury. A slip or spill can lead to a broken bone or require stitches. Even with safety measures like covered springs and mesh fencing, the risk of injury still exists. Parents should teach kids trampoline safety rules and be prepared for emergencies.
  • How can jungle gyms be dangerous during summer?

    Jungle gyms can pose a risk to children's safety beyond just falling. The metal surfaces can cause burns, metal splinters, and even spread diseases. Parents should check the temperature of the jungle gym and inspect it for hazards like rust. Children should also be taught to wash their hands before and after play.
  • What are the risks associated with night games during summer?

    Night games can be risky because of the reduced visibility. It's important to ensure the area is well-lit and that children are within shouting distance. Parents should set rules about not playing in the street and checking-in at home often.
  • What are the dangers associated with sun exposure during summer?

    Sun exposure during summer can lead to risks such as sun stroke and skin cancer. It's important to keep children protected with sunscreen and monitor them for signs of fatigue, dehydration, sunburn, and dizziness. Encouraging children to carry water with them while playing in the sun can also help prevent dehydration.
  • How can parents prepare their kids for summer safety?

    Parents can prepare their kids for summer safety by educating themselves and their children about the potential dangers of summer activities. This includes teaching safety rules for activities like swimming and trampoline use, setting rules for night games, and ensuring kids are protected from sun exposure.
  • What are some general summer safety guidelines for parents?

    Some general summer safety guidelines include teaching children to shower before swimming, monitoring younger children closely around pools, teaching trampoline safety rules, checking jungle gyms for hazards, setting rules for night games, and protecting children from sun exposure.
  • Why is it important for children to wash their hands before and after play?

    It's important for children to wash their hands before and after play to prevent the spread of diseases, especially when playing on public equipment like jungle gyms which can harbor bacteria and other germs.

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