Summer safety 101

School’s out! Yay! But now it’s time for summer safety 101! Children need time to explore, create and play independently—as long as it in a safe environment. Use these general summer safety tips, go over them with your kids, then let them have a little fun.

1. Slather on the sunscreen

Sunscreen isn’t just for sweltering, sunny days; there are harmful UV rays lurking about on cloudy days, too. Use a minimum of SPF 15, but don’t get too extra — stick to a maximum of SPF 60. It is easy to miss spots if you are using a spray sunscreen, so be sure to spray every area of exposed skin. Use lotion on the face rather than spray to avoid inhalation of the sunscreen. Use water-resistant sunscreen and reapply after water activities.

2. Stay hydrated

It’s always important to drink plenty of water, but this is even truer during the summer months. Before you head to the park, or even the backyard, pre-hydrate. Gather the family and toast with a big glass of cold water. Keep water bottles with you on hikes and bike rides, and offer fruit as snacks through the day. After high-energy activities like soccer or even swimming, rehydrate.

3. Practise pool safety

According to redcross.ca, you should establish a set of pool rules, even for your own backyard. Rules can include swimming with a buddy, entering the water feet first, keeping the pool deck clear of toys and debris, and, of course, always having an adult present. Those are just a few to start. For full water safety rules, visit redcross.ca. Remember that kids should not be left unattended in a pool area, even for a moment.

4. Suit up

A proper helmet is needed for biking, scooting, rollerblading or skateboarding. Be sure that your child’s helmet is certified by the Canadian Standards Association or the Consumer Product Safety Commission and fits properly. It should not fall over the ears or eyes. Chances are, your kiddo will need a new helmet each year to achieve that perfect fit. Skip the used helmets. A second-hand helmet may be old and damaged. Sure it’s nice to save a few bucks, but it’s better to be safe.

Don’t forget the kneepads, elbow pads, wrist guards and gloves — particularly for rookie two-wheel riders and skateboarders.

5. Respect the environment

Mother nature can get pretty crazy in the summer, so show her some respect. Rainstorms can be fun to splash around in, but avoid being outdoors as soon as you see lightning — especially when in the pool, on a lake, on a baseball field or on a golf course.

Rivers, lakes and creeks can become very dangerous during heavy rain, with strong currents and flooding. Even “expert” swimmers should avoid all bodies of water during a storm.

First aid first

Keep a fully-stocked first aid kit in your home. Take it with you camping or cottaging, and create smaller versions to keep in the car or to carry on hikes. Here’s what you need, according to the Canadian Red Cross.

• Sterile gauze pads to place over wounds
• Adhesive tape
• Bandages to hold dressings in place or to make an arm
  sling, plus adhesive bandages in assorted sizes
• Scissors, tweezers, safety pins
• Instant ice packs
• Disposable non-latex gloves
• Flashlight, with extra batteries in a separate bag
• Antiseptic wipes or soap
• Pencil and pad
• Emergency blanket
• Coins for pay phone (plus important numbers for family, friends and emergency services)

For the car

• A battery-powered radio and flashlight, with extra batteries
• A blanket
• Booster (jumper) cables
• A fire extinguisher
• Bottled water and high energy foods that won’t go bad (watch expiry dates and replace when necessary)
• Maps of the area
• A shovel, flares, matches and tire repair kit

Originally published in ParentsCanada magazine, Summer 2017.