The summer months can be full of so many fun events and activities. Though, this summer fun can also raise some safety concerns. It’s okay though! Don’t let these concerns impede your summer plans. It’s just important to be knowledgeable.
We’ve collected some tips on choosing sunscreen, keeping children hydrated and water safety. Below you’ll find simple, helpful tips and some links to more detailed information and resources so we can all stay safe this summer!
Sun Safety
- Sunscreen is an essential part of any outdoor time, especially in the hot summer months. Too much unprotected exposure to the sun’s ultraviolet (UV) rays can cause skin damage, eye damage, immune system suppression, and skin cancer. Here are some tips on choosing and using sunscreen:
- Choose a sunscreen that has an SPF (sun protection factor) of 30 or higher, protects against both UVA and UVB rays (a “broad-spectrum” sunscreen) and is water-resistant (protects kids while in the water for 40–80 minutes).
- Apply sunscreen whenever your kids will be in the sun. For best results, apply sunscreen about 15 to 30 minutes before kids go outside.
- Reapply sunscreen often, about every 2 hours. Reapply after a child has been sweating or swimming.
- Click here for more information!
Hydration
- Dehydration is common in the summer. It happens when we lose large amounts of water and salts. This happens often with illness but also through long periods of exercise with lots of sweating. If they can’t replace the fluid that’s been lost, kids can become dehydrated.
- Keep water handy and visible! Remind your children to drink often during the hot months.
- For symptoms of dehydration and tips on rehydration, click here.
Water Safety
- In the United States, drowning is a leading cause of injury-related death in children, especially those younger than 4 and teens.
- Supervision is KEY! Always watch children closely when they’re in or near any water, no matter what their swimming skills. Even kids who know how to swim can be at risk for drowning.
- Swimming lessons can be a great way to ensure the safety of your children around water.
- Take a CPR class
- As parents and caregivers, we don’t even want to imagine the situations that would require us to administer CPR on a child. However, it’s better to be safe rather than sorry! Check with your local fire/EMS stations. Many offer free classes!
- There is a free CPR course coming up in August in Exton. Here’s the info:
- Thursday, August 1st, 2019
- Begins at 6:00pm (approximately 4 hours long)
- Uwchlan Ambulance Corps
70 West Welsh Pool Rd
Exton PA, 19341 - Click here to register. Scroll down to “Free Community Classes for Individuals” and click “Community CPR/AED”
KidsHealth.org has some fantastic information on these and other summer concerns (such as bike safety, jellyfish stings, insect bites, and more). Visit the Summer Safety section of their website here.