Summer is in full swing! Enjoying the hot weather and outdoors is a must, especially knowing that fall and winter are around the corner. As the weather continues to heat up, it’s important to keep safety in mind. Here are a few Massachusetts summer safety tips for children to keep in mind.
Don’t Underestimate a Hot Car
Hot cars are a danger even when the weather is not that hot. NEVER leave your kids unattended in a car. It takes just a few minutes for temperatures to rise dramatically and become life threatening. There was recently a case (in another state) of a mom leaving her children in a car with the air conditioning running. However, the gas ran out while she was gone, leading to a tragic result. It’s best to avoid the risk altogether.
Test Playground Surfaces
Playgrounds are a popular summer activity, however, they are not always safe as temperatures rise. Be sure to check surface temperatures of slides before allowing your children to use them. Whether they are made of metal or plastic, they can become dangerously hot when in direct sunlight.
Apply and Reapply Sunblock
Despite common belief, all skin types are susceptible to burning from sun exposure. No list of summer safety tips for children would be complete without mentioning sunblock! Be sure to apply sunblock on your children before going outside. It is also important to re-apply regularly throughout the day. Check the label of your sunblock to determine how often you should do so. Hats and UVB protective clothing can also be helpful. Proper sun care can prevent severe sunburns and other risks both in the short-term and long-term.
Beware of Water Dangers
It wouldn’t be summer without some fun in the water. Every year, children drown in swimming pools, ponds, lakes, and beaches. Be sure to always keep a close eye on your children in the water, even if there is a lifeguard on duty. Teach your children to comply with the buddy system and to avoid potential dangers such as rip currents. Water safety will ensure that your family can enjoy the water while minimizing the chances of a tragedy.
More Summer Safety Tips for Children
We all want to relax and simply have fun during summer, but it’s important not to be so lax that we forget about common dangers that could ruin our summertime celebrations. As you plan different family activities this summer, take a moment to think about safety. Be sure to also communicate with your children and get them to be aware of their surroundings and potential dangers. After all, we can’t always be right next to our children to protect them, so teaching them valuable skills is important.
We hope that you found this list of Massachusetts summer safety tips for children helpful. Stay safe and enjoy the rest of the summer!