Sun & Water Safety

Stay Safe this Summer with these Tips to Protect Yourself and Your Family

Prevention, Safety

Activities in and around water are often a significant part of summer break fun, but with it comes risk. Drowning is the leading cause of injury/death in children ages 1-4. Unfortunately, three children die every day due to drowning.

To play safely in the water this summer, follow these tips:
  • Never leave children unattended in or around water - A capable adult should always be present.
  • Teach children to swim - Formal lessons can prevent drowning.
  • Completely enclose home pools with 4 ft high unbreachable fence.
  • Always wear a properly fitting life jacket for recreational boating.

Exposure to the sun’s UV rays can damage your skin in as little as 15 minutes, and just a few severe sunburns can increase the risk of skin cancer later in life.

Fortunately, you can limit exposure by protecting your skin:
  • Apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen with at least SPF 15 and UVA/UVB protection every time you go outside and reapply sunscreen every 2 hours and after being in the water, sweating or toweling off.
  • Sunscreen works best when combined with other UV blockers, like a hat. Try a brimmed hat that covers the face, ears, and back of the neck for the most protection.
  • Wear sunglasses that block 100% of UVA and UVB rays

Too much sun is not fun and can cause heat-related illnesses when the body’s temperature control system is overloaded. Children under four years of age are at the most significant risk.

As the temps begin to rise, remember:
  • NEVER leave infants, children, or pets in a parked car, even with the windows cracked open.
  • Dress infants and children in loose, lightweight, light-colored clothing.
  • Schedule outdoor activities for morning and evening hours, as the sun’s rays are strongest between 10 am and 4 pm.
  • Stay cool with cool showers or baths.
  • Drink water every 20 minutes to stay hydrated.
  • Seek medical care immediately if you or your child has symptoms of heat-related illness.

HEAT-RELATED ILLNESS

Symptoms of heat-related illness include:
  • muscle cramps
  • rapid, weak pulse
  • general weakness
  • nausea/vomiting
  • excessive sweating
  • cold, clammy skin
  • dark-colored urine
  • dizziness/fainting
  • headaches
May rapidly worsen to include:

  • a temperature of ≥ 104°F
  • hot, dry skin
  • racing heartbeat
  • slurred speech
  • seizures
  • loss of consciousness
  • confusion
  • agitation
  • coma

Spring and summer months often mean more time outdoors and more exposure to biting insects.

To limit your vulnerability, you should:
  • Use unscented soap and hair spray, and eliminate perfume as the scents in these products can attract mosquitoes and other biting bugs.
  • Use insect repellent with DEET when outdoors to ward off ticks and mosquitoes.
  • Check yourself and your children for ticks after each day outdoors.

U.S. emergency departments treat more than 200,000 children under age 15 every year for outdoor play-related injuries.

To reduce the risk of accidents or injuries:
  • Ensure surfaces underneath playground equipment are safe, soft, and well-maintained.
  • Supervise young children at all times near fall hazards and playground equipment.
  • Ensure slides and other surfaces are cool enough to be comfortable.

Sources:

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