Summer is about splashing and safety

  • Published
  • By Jacqueline Williams
  • 97th Medical Operations Squadron
ALTUS AIR FORCE BASE, Okla. --  Summertime, schools out and for many kids and some parents its all about the pool, travel, sleeping in, spending time with friends and all the things you didn't get to do during school. Yes summertime - sun, swimming staying out late; but wait; all this - can be dangerous and even deadly when safety isn't followed.

Sun burn is the most common summer problems when it comes to the sun. Children get burned by being out in the sun and can get heatstroke from it, but another common way a child suffers heatstroke is when they are left alone in a vehicle. NEVER, under any circumstances, leave a child unattended in a parked car.

When your kids head outside, make sure that they drink plenty of water, especially if they're participating in outdoor sports. To reduce the risk of insect stings and bites, insist that your kids wear light colored clothing and shoes when playing outside. Keep children away from lawnmowers and outdoor power equipment. Kids can suffer severe burns and cuts from hot engines or sharp blades.

Another issue when it comes to kids and the sun is sunscreen. They many squirm and complain when you insist they wear sunscreen or a hat when they're playing in the summer sun. More than 1 million Americans are diagnosed with skin cancer each year, and early childhood sunburns are a major risk factor for the disease's development in adulthood. The American Cancer Society suggests a sunscreen with an SPF of 15 or higher. Remember to reapply sunscreen frequently - about every 2 hours. Sunburns can occur when it is cloudy or chilly so if your kids are going to be outside, make sure they are protected.

Summer is all about splashing - at the pool, or just in the sprinkler in the backyard. But for kids who are unsupervised or who overestimate their abilities, a quick swim can quickly turn tragic. When it comes to water safety, there are a few rules to remember and enforce: 

Never swim alone, no matter how old you are. Make sure that your kids stay in shallow water until they're experienced swimmers. Never allow your children to dive in unfamiliar waters; submerged rocks or other obstacles could cause serious injuries. Swim in designated areas with a trained lifeguard on duty, if possible. 

If you're a parents who is working full-time when their children are out of school for the summer, these months can be the most stressful time of the year. How can you keep a child occupied, safe, and supervised while you're at work all day? If you live on base, make sure you follow the youth supervision guidelines. Find a babysitter over the age of 13 whom you can trust, or check out the CDC or Youth center programs. If you choose to leave a child over eight unsupervised for a few hours at home, make sure that he or she is comfortable being left alone. Post emergency contact numbers near every telephone. Practice some hypothetical situations with your child - like what to do when an unexpected visitor rings the doorbell. 

While your kids are out of school, they may have a number of different babysitters and caregivers. Sending a child to a neighbor's house, a summer camp, or on a trip with a friend's family can be a great way to keep your child active - and give you a break for a little while. But it's crucial that you know and trust the person supervising your children. If you haven't talked to your kids about unwanted sexual touching yet, please do so before placing them in someone else's care, even for a few hours. Your child should always know how to contact you in case of emergency, and they should also know that you will listen to them and believe them when they are scared or confused. Most importantly have a great summer.