Summary: Summer Safety Tips for Kids

Summer is full of outdoor fun, but a few simple precautions can help keep children safe and healthy.

  • Water safety: Always provide active, undistracted adult supervision around water. Designate a “water watcher,” enroll children in swim lessons, and use U.S. Coast Guard-approved life jackets for boating. Dry ears after swimming and avoid using cotton swabs to reduce the risk of swimmer’s ear.
  • Prevent injuries: Make sure children wear properly fitted helmets when biking, scootering, skateboarding, or skating. Supervise playground and trampoline activities, especially when kids are tired, while allowing appropriate opportunities for them to build confidence and learn their limits.
  • Stay safe in the heat: Encourage frequent water breaks before children feel thirsty, apply sunscreen, avoid prolonged sun exposure during peak afternoon hours, and check hot surfaces like playground equipment and car interiors. Watch for signs of heat exhaustion and call 911 immediately if symptoms of heatstroke occur.
  • Maintain healthy routines: Balance screen time with sleep, exercise, reading, family time, and social interaction. Follow a family media plan with screen-free meals and no screens before bedtime. Encourage healthy eating by serving water instead of sugary drinks and keeping nutritious snacks readily available.
  • Practice outdoor safety: Remove fish bones carefully, avoid using wire grill brushes that may leave dangerous bristles behind, use insect repellent, check for ticks after outdoor activities, and practice good food hygiene. At fireworks displays and concerts, protect children’s hearing and never let them handle fireworks or sparklers.
  • Know when to seek medical care: Minor cuts, sprains, and simple fractures can often be treated at urgent care. Serious injuries, severe cuts, eye injuries, or head injuries involving confusion or loss of consciousness require emergency care. If a child seems unusually tired, confused, or isn’t acting like themselves after an injury, contact a healthcare provider.

Overall, staying attentive, maintaining healthy habits, and recognizing when medical care is needed can help families enjoy a safe and healthy summer.