Keeping your Kids Safe in Summer

As kids head into summer vacation, it is a time for fun and adventure in the form of barbecues, pool parties and trips with the family. With so much fun to be had, it’s easy to overlook a crucial aspect of the summer planning – safety! Whether you’re planning to spend your days on a faraway beach or right in your neighborhood, it is important to take precautions to ensure the safety and well-being of yourself and your family.

Here are a few important summer safety tips to keep in mind.

Staying Safe in the Sun

The bright and balmy summer days have a way of drawing even the most homebound kids outdoors. However, too much fun in the sun can result in harmful side effects.

• Make sure to slather on plenty of sunscreen before leaving the house, even on a cloudy day. Also remember to reapply once every couple of hours, and even more frequently if you are swimming or sweating heavily.
• Protect eyes from the glare of the sun with sun glasses of visors.
• As tempting as it may be to go about bare skinned in the heat, it isn’t so good for your skin. Slip on a t-shirt to protect yourself from sunburn.
• Drink plenty of water, even if you aren’t feeling thirsty, to avoid dehydration.
• Take frequent breaks from the heat by stepping into a shaded area every once in a while, especially when the sun is at its strongest (between 10 am and 4 pm).
• Avoid strenuous physical activity outdoors when it is hot, as this can lead to heat exhaustion.

Staying Safe around Water

There’s no better way to cool off in the summer heat than by splashing around in the water! Just pay attention to the water safety rules to ensure a fun time for everyone.

• Make sure everyone in the family knows how to swim and what to do in case of any sudden emergencies near the water.
• Swim only in designated areas supervised by a lifeguard.
• Equip children with lifejackets before they get into the water. However, do not rely on lifejackets alone for their safety.
• Never leave children unattended in or around the water, even if there is a lifeguard watching over the area.
• Always swim with a buddy, even in a swimming pool.
• Never go boating without a lifejacket.

Staying Safe while Vacationing

If you’re going to be away from home during the vacation, you can take steps to protect yourself and your belongings from crime and other issues.

• Stop your mail and newspaper delivery so that the stacks of paper don’t alert strangers to the fact that there’s no one at home.
• Avoid posting on social networking sites that you are going on a holiday – you never know who is reading your updates and what their intentions are.
• If you are going to be away for an extended period of time, shut off the gas and water supply to avoid potential flooding or gas leaks.
• Leave your expensive belongings and valuables locked up at home.
• When in crowded, unfamiliar areas, keep your money in a secure pocket or money belt rather than a purse.
• When travelling with kids, keep a recent photograph of each child with you in case you get separated.
• When going on a road trip, make sure you are equipped with jumper cables, flares, a first aid kit and other necessities.