Most children and teens are determined to have as much fun as they can during the summer, even if some of them have to hold down jobs.
For this reason, parents and other caregivers must do everything they can to keep their kids safe. While some young people love to spend their days swimming, others can’t wait to go surfing, rollerblading, horseback riding, hiking or camping. Still other kids seek out more dangerous activities like riding ATVs (all- terrain vehicles) or setting off fireworks.
Don’t feel you’re alone if you start feeling overwhelmed by all of your added supervisory duties. Instead, just read up on all of the ways you can help keep your kids safe as they pursue their summer dreams.
The following list of safety tips will help you keep an eye on your kids as they learn new skills and make new friends.
Summer Safety Tips
Swimming. Never let children of any age go swimming without adult supervision. It just takes a second for a frightened child to slip below the water’s surface. Fireworks. Adults are the only ones with enough expertise to handle small or large fireworks displays. Make sure to talk with your kids about how dangerous it can be to even light or throw a small firecracker. They need to understand that they might accidentally start a fire or cause themselves (or others) to suffer serious burns if they play with any firecrackers.
Sunscreens. Be sure to carefully read the instructions on your sunscreen bottles or tubes before every applying the lotion or cream to your children’s bodies. Also, instruct your children to return to you or another supervising adult at regular intervals throughout the day so that additional sunscreen can be applied as needed. Take so that additional sunscreen can be applied as needed. (Take advantage of these check-in times to be sure your kids are also keeping themselves fully hydrated.)
Insect Repellants. Equip your kids with the proper insect repellants before they go out camping or hiking in the woods.
ATVs are off limits. It’s best to forbid your children from riding ATVs and other motorized bikes until they reach their late teens or enter college.
Jet skis and boat safety. Never let your kids drive jet skis or ride in other people’s boats unless you’re absolutely certain that they will be constantly supervised. Make sure to speak with those who will be supervising your children ahead of time and tell them that your kids must wear safety/flotation vests at all times – or they simply cannot leave the shore.
Cell phones are a must. Require your kids to carry fully charged cell phones at all times. Even if they’re just going to a nearby mall with other children, they need to check in so you’ll know exactly where they are at all times. Keep in mind that it’s always safest to personally take your children to and from their activities to cut down on kidnapping and other serious dangers. Finally, be sure to tape your cell phone and home phone numbers on the backs of your kids’ cell phones for easy reference in case of an emergency.
Outdoor grilling. While you may want to let your oldest teens help you grill food outdoors, never allow any of your kids to use the grill unsupervised.
Helmets are a must. Make sure your kids know that they must always wear helmets when riding bicycles, rollerblading or skateboarding. Never let them visit skateboard or other similar parks without adult supervision.
Restrict specific indoor activities when adults are away. While some children may be old enough to stay at home alone in their early teens, make sure they know which cooking and other potentially dangerous activities are strictly forbidden when no adults are at home. (Make sure you post all important emergency phone numbers in your home’s kitchen area and outdoors in a clearly designated place. Be sure to also post added copies of these numbers in your home’s major hallways.)
Readers interested in reviewing additional information about these and other summer safety topics may want to visit the Home Page of The Children’s Safety Network. (This Web site is run by the U. S. Health Resources and Services Administration). This same site also provides an excellent resource page containing links to almost every imaginable child safety topic.
