Practical Parenting: Staying Safe This Summer

Summer is a season brimming with opportunities for outdoor activities, vacations, and family fun. However, it also brings unique risks that require careful attention, especially for parents. On this episode, we delve into essential summer safety tips, including swim safety, hydration, and avoiding common summer hazards to ensure a safe and enjoyable season.

Swimming is a favorite summer activity, but it comes with significant risks. Drowning is the leading cause of accidental death among children aged 1 to 4 and a top cause among teens. Surprisingly, drowning incidents are also increasing among adults over 65.

Understanding and mitigating these risks is crucial. Enrolling children in swim lessons as early as possible is one of the most effective measures. Knowing how to swim significantly reduces the risk of drowning.

Always supervise children around water, including pools, bathtubs, and even small backyard plastic pools. Never leave children unattended, even for a moment. Installing gates and locks around home pools can prevent unsupervised access, and using alarms adds another layer of security.

For boating and other water activities, ensure life vests are properly fitted and worn at all times. Learning to recognize the signs of drowning is also vital. These signs may include struggling to keep the head above water, silent or weak calls for help, and an inability to wave for attention. Immediate and trained assistance is essential in such situations.

As temperatures rise, staying hydrated becomes increasingly important. Dehydration can occur quickly, especially during strenuous activities and outdoor play. Adults should aim for 15.5 cups (3.7 liters) of water per day for men and 11.5 cups (2.7 liters) for women.

Children need adequate water based on their age and activity level. It's important to avoid sugary and caffeinated drinks as they can contribute to dehydration. Instead, opt for water, milk, or drinks with electrolytes. Signs of dehydration include decreased urination, dry lips, lack of tears when crying, sunken eyes, and lethargy. Severe dehydration requires medical attention and possibly intravenous fluids.

Summer also brings the risk of exposure to poisonous plants, insect bites, and even snake encounters. Understanding and preventing these hazards can keep your family safe. Using DEET-based insect repellents is effective in protecting against ticks, mosquitoes, and other insects. It's advisable to avoid applying DEET on young children’s hands or near their faces. Wearing long sleeves, pants, hats, and light-colored clothing is less attractive to insects.

In addition to these measures, keeping Poison Control’s number (1-800-222-1222) handy is crucial for quick access to expert advice in case of an emergency.

By staying informed and prepared, parents can ensure a safe and enjoyable summer for their families. From swimming lessons to hydration and vigilance against natural hazards, these proactive measures can prevent accidents and promote a healthy, fun-filled season.

Listen on ...

• Spotify
• Apple
• Amazon Music